Did we want to operate the plant? Definitely, as it was the height of our power crisis. However, politics prevented us from pursuing this option. We also had a lot of catching up to do in installing additional safety features to address the latest safety features needed at that time.
We studied the feasibility of converting the plant into a conventional coal-fired power plant. In the end, we decided not to do anything with it. If nuclear power becomes feasible in the future, there was this site beside the BNPP that could still accommodate a nuclear power plant.
Roadblocks to adoption
Nuclear energy should be a part of the solution to the energy challenges in the future. Those opposing nuclear power for safety reasons should already set aside these fears. Empirical evidence shows that nuclear power plants are safe.
The Chernobyl disaster resulted from flawed design, exacerbated by human errors. Fukushima failed because of poor disaster preparedness. New reactor designs incorporate enhanced cooling systems and increased power redundancy.
However, the path will not be easy — if taken at all. Large and centralized nuclear power plants like BNPP may not be feasible for two key reasons. First, I do not see communities accepting such power plants in their backyards, given the overarching safety concerns, albeit addressed. Second, such power plants are prone to delays and cost overruns. The 600-MW BNPP ended up costing the country a hefty $2 billion.
SMRs: A game-changer?
I am told modern nuclear reactors, like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), are designed with advanced safety features. Given our archipelagic landscape and challenges in our power transmission system, SMRs could be a more viable option. These SMRs can be deployed as Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) to microgrids or communities that are receptive to nuclear energy.
Based on recent studies, SMRs will cost between $4 million and $5 million per megawatt. This CAPEX translates into an electricity cost of between P4.60/kwH and P5.20/kwH, comparable to current rates.
The Philippines is on its way to establishing an independent nuclear regulatory body to oversee nuclear safety, licensing, and public engagement, modeled after international standards. The Philippine government signed the 123 Agreement with the US in November 2023 to kick-start the country's nuclear program.
Capacity building, policy reforms
Many challenges remain, two of which I want to highlight here: Developing a skilled workforce and reforming certain DOE (Department of Energy) policies.
The BNPP executives and workforce, all of whom are among the best engineers in NAPOCOR, are either senior citizens or have gone to the great beyond. We need a long-term capacity-building program not only for nuclear engineers but also for support services and the general public as a whole.
We must also address the challenge of incorporating nuclear energy into the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) and the Energy Regulatory Commission) and how such policies will affect consumers.
This will be a long rocky road — 10 years at least. Until then, let's make the most of gas and renewable energy.
A power industry expert with over 40 years in experience as chief executive officer in firms ranging from banking, power, and advisory services.
