Energy department identifies more potential nuclear power plant sites

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) is identifying more potential sites for nuclear power facilities as the government targets 1.4 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2038.

Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo said the government is studying seven areas as possible locations for future nuclear power plants.

“There are two sites in Bataan, two sites in Palawan, one in Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte,” Mr. Bacordo told reporters on Tuesday.

These sites have undergone initial assessment, with technical assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to determine whether the areas can safely host nuclear facilities.

“Nuclear energy is not simply about deciding to build a power plant. We must build the institutions, the regulatory system, the technical capability, the financing framework, and the public confidence to support it,” Mr. Bacordo said.

These sites will set the foundation as the Philippines works toward its goal of developing 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power generation by 2032.

Beyond this target, the country is also considering the entry of 1,400 MW of nuclear capacity by 2038.

The DoE said the country’s progress on nuclear development heeds to the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in his 2026 State of the Nation Address to revisit nuclear energy as part of efforts to strengthen energy security and bring down electricity costs.

The Philippines is positioning nuclear energy as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and enhance energy security.

“Nuclear can add firm capacity and diversify the energy mix, but it does not replace the need for other technologies,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

Amid concerns over the safety of nuclear power, the DoE said public acceptance has increased, citing a Social Weather Stations survey that showed public approval of nuclear energy rose to 82% in 2024 from 79% in 2019. 

While laying down the groundwork for nuclear energy sites, the DoE said it also focuses on addressing the remaining work across the IAEA’s 19 nuclear infrastructure issues, with priority areas covering electrical grid readiness; safety, security and safeguards; legal and regulatory requirements; emergency preparedness; nuclear fuel cycle and waste management; stakeholder involvement; and nuclear workforce development.

According to the DoE, progress is underway in developing the legal and regulatory framework, including the enactment of Republic Act No. 12305, which establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority.

At the same time, the government is pursuing measures to streamline nuclear power plant licensing and establish the policy framework for a pioneer nuclear power project.

The DoE is also moving forward with the finalization of its roadmap that will feature the infrastructure necessary for the country to be ready to commission and operate its first nuclear power plant.

Nuclear advocacy group Alpas Pinas said the rising electricity demand and energy security concerns highlight the need to push for faster transition to nuclear energy.

“It is the clearest signal yet that nuclear energy is no longer a distant possibility but an important policy option in addressing our country’s long-term energy needs,” Alpas Pinas Lead Convenor Gayle Certeza said in a statement.

“As this national conversation moves forward, it is equally important that the government starts making concrete steps to make this happen,” she added. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera