Aboitiz: Nuclear energy needs gov’t participation

Aboitiz Power Corp. said developing nuclear energy in the country needs active government participation to ensure that only the best technology will be deployed.

"I don't need to be specific, but it needs government participation, anyone who wants to develop nuclear power," Aboitiz Power president and chief executive officer Manny Rubio said.

Rubio pointed out that since nuclear is the only carbon-free alternative to coal or other fossil fuels for its baseload capacity, any developer should only tap the most effective technology for its development.

"Nuclear energy is a baseload so when technology is effective, nuclear energy can be a viable power source. We want to simply just say that we need a variety of technology for this technology," Rubio said.

Carlos Aboitiz, chief corporate services officer of Aboitiz Power, also noted that nuclear power development has become a global conversation, which means that many power generators globally see the benefit of such an energy source.

"Other power industry giants have signified their interest to develop nuclear in the country to generate additional power, especially during summer months when demand is historically higher.

Early this month, the Manila Electric Co., the country's largest power distributor, said it applied for a United States Trade and Development Agency grant to bankroll a development study on small modular reactors or SMRs.

The government has long been exploring nuclear power as a viable energy source in line with the global push to reduce fossil fuel use due to its hazardous carbon emissions.