Ang Pahayagan

BATAAN – As the country faces surging electricity costs and intensifying climate threats, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and advocacy group Alpas Pinas on Tuesday called for a shift to nuclear energy and the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

In a media briefing, PNRI Director Carlo Arcilla cited the advantages of using nuclear energy.

“Nuclear is four million times more energetic than natural gas, gasoline, and coal. Two factors. Dalawa lang (Just two). Energy density, pangalawa (second), capacity factor. Availability,” he said.

Arcilla said this is the best time to embrace nuclear power and revive the BNPP.

Alpas Pinas lead advocates, Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco, said the country currently gets about 78 percent of its energy needs from burning coal, which increases the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere through its emissions.

“A typical nuclear power plant produces nearly zero greenhouse gases, making it one of the cleanest energy sources available,” he said.

Both Arcilla and Alpas Pinas said that continued reliance on coal and gas is not only costly but also accelerates climate change and extreme weather.

Arcilla revealed that a feasibility study is underway with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. for the rehabilitation of the BNPP.

He said that reviving the plant could significantly cut energy costs and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

He stressed that nuclear energy is reliable, cost-efficient, and environmentally sound.

Alpas Pinas lead convenor Gayle Certeza said the group is leading the public information drive in support of nuclear energy, highlighting both the economic and health benefits of going nuclear.

“Not only is nuclear energy cleaner, the energy it produces is also less costly, resulting in lower electrical bills for Filipino households. This means more resources for other urgent household expenses,” she said. ( Marita Moaje/ PNA)

📸 Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. (File photo)