Gov’t defends nuclear entry as clean baseload option

The Department of Energy (DOE) pushed 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 is “designed to complement and not compete with variable RE sources,” describing it as a “clean, low-carbon baseload power option” that can help stabilize the grid.

The draft circular, 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,” the DOE said. “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,” it added.

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.

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 (CEED) criticized the draft for allegedly bypassing the Competitive Selection Process under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act for the first plant.

CEED Executive Director Gerry Arances called the exemption a “dangerous precedent,” saying it could allow high-risk projects to proceed without proper safeguards. He also warned of safety risks, environmental concerns, and threats to disaster-prone communities.

Arances argued that the Philippines should instead focus on developing its renewable energy potential, which offers a safer and more affordable path to energy security.

Under the draft, the country is expected to begin using nuclear power by 2032 through a 1,200-megawatt (MW) “Pioneer” plant. Capacity may reach 4,800 MW by 2050.

To protect consumers, the Energy Regulatory Commission will set pricing rules tailored to nuclear’s cost structure — high upfront investment but low operating costs over an 80-year lifespan. Power supply contracts will last at least 25 years to guard against fuel price volatility.

Utilities will also be required to prioritize contracting with the nuclear plant, particularly if they have large customer demand or face supply shortages, to ensure reliable and affordable baseload power.