President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Republic of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol today witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the field of energy between the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) in Malacañan Palace.

“The signing of this MOU builds on the strong foundation of energy cooperation between the two countries. For the Philippines, it is a continuation of our efforts to enhance energy security, as outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP),” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said.

Korea, which has a long-standing familiarity with the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) due to studies conducted in 2008 and 2017 by Team Korea composed of KHNP, KEPCO KPS and Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction, will collaborate with the DOE to conduct a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study on the potential rehabilitation of the BNPP.

The MOU is designed to generate critical information to guide the Philippine government’s decision-making process, not only on the BNPP but also in exploring other nuclear technologies and potential alternative sites for nuclear energy development. This study will play a key role in assessing the feasibility, safety, and sustainability of various nuclear energy options, helping the government make well-informed choices that align with the country’s long-term energy goals.

All costs associated with the feasibility study will be fully borne by KHNP while the Philippine government is under no legal obligation to proceed with the rehabilitation of the BNPP or to engage KHNP based on the study’s findings. The study is exploratory in nature, and any subsequent actions will be subject to further evaluation and decision by the government.

The feasibility study, set to commence in January 2025, will be carried out in two phases. The first phase will assess the current condition of the BNPP and its components while the second phase will evaluate whether the plant can be refurbished using the most optimal model.

Should the findings from the first phase determine that proceeding to the next phase is not advisable, KHNP may recommend alternative options, including the construction of a conventional plant or the development of a small modular reactor. These alternatives will be presented as viable paths forward, offering flexibility in advancing the country's nuclear energy agenda, based on the results of the initial phase.

The beneficial applications of nuclear technology have been extensive across various sectors, significantly enhancing the quality of life. These technologies are utilized in fields such as healthcare, agriculture, industry, and energy. In healthcare, nuclear and radiation technologies have advanced the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In agriculture, they have contributed to effective soil and water management practices while in the industrial sector, they have ensured higher standards of quality in the manufacturing of products and equipment.

In the energy sector, the Philippines articulated its decision to begin the process of integrating nuclear power in its energy mix through Executive Order No. 164, s. 2022. Generating power through fission, nuclear energy is one of the cleanest sources of power, with zero carbon dioxide emission and the capacity to provide reliable and stable supply of power to the grid.

The Philippines aims to have its first nuclear power plants operational by 2032, with an initial capacity of 1,200 MW, expanding to 2,400 MW by 2035 and reaching 4,800 MW by 2050, as outlined in the PEP. This initiative is part of the country's broader strategy to diversify its energy mix, strengthen energy security, and drive investment in human capital, ultimately improving labor productivity and fostering long-term economic growth.

Central to the country’s nuclear energy ambitions is the Nuclear Energy Program – Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), led by the DOE, which takes a whole-of-government approach to integrating nuclear power into the country’s energy mix. The NEP-IAC has established six sub-committees to address 19 infrastructure issues outlined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The Philippines recently unveiled its Nuclear Energy Roadmap (NEP) at the 68th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria. During the high-level General Debate, DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin emphasized the country's commitment to establishing an independent nuclear regulatory body. This body will oversee the safe and secure development of the NEP. She highlighted the government's priority in advancing key legislation focused on nuclear safety, ensuring that legal and regulatory frameworks are in place to protect public health, safeguard the environment, and uphold national security as the country progresses toward utilizing nuclear power. ###