Gov’t defends nuclear energy as clean baseload option

The Department of Energy (DoE) is pushing back against criticism that its draft policy on nuclear integration could sideline renewable energy, stressing that nuclear power is meant to support, not compete with, clean energy development.

In a statement on Friday, the DoE said nuclear power is “designed to complement and not compete with variable renewable energy (RE) sources,” describing it as a “clean, low-carbon baseload power option” that can help stabilize the grid.

Nuclear energy in long-term planning

The draft Department Circular (DC), released pending the signing of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, seeks to formally incorporate nuclear power into long-term energy planning.

The DoE said the measure supports a “transparent, science-based, and inclusive energy transition.”

“The draft DC does not impose any mandatory nuclear contracting,” underscored the DoE, adding that “the ultimate decision to procure or contract a nuclear power project lies with distribution utilities, which shall remain guided by existing government procurement rules and energy planning issuances.”

The agency also stressed that the circular does not mandate the building of nuclear plants, but simply sets a framework for including nuclear as an option if found technically and economically viable.

“The draft DC simply lays the enabling framework for nuclear to be part of the long-term solution mix should a utility deem it technically and economically viable,” the DoE said.

Competitive costs

Likewise, the DoE defended the economic case for nuclear, saying its projected power costs are competitive with coal and natural gas, especially when factoring in the long lifespan of nuclear plants. “These factors are duly reflected in the economic assessments outlined in the draft DC,” it added.

Still, energy advocates warned that nuclear projects could crowd out funding and attention from faster-to-deploy renewable technologies like solar and wind.

Earlier this week, sustainability group Center for Energy, Ecology and Development criticized the draft for allegedly bypassing the Competitive Selection Process under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act for the first plant.