Nuclear power for the PH?

State-run power firm National Power Corporation is hoping the government considers the proposed $1 billion rehabilitation plan for the 29-year-old Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. The $1 billion rehabilitation cost will mostly be spent on upgrades and replacements of about 25% of the facility’s equipment. Napocor nuclear energy core group manager Mauro Marcelo Jr. says Malacañang’s go signal is necessary in reviving the plant to address a possible power crisis in the country. Marcelo says the BNPP can generate 620 MW of power and can supply the 10% power requirement of the Luzon grid. He adds, nuclear power is cheaper and will bring down the high costs of electricity in the country. The BNPP is considered the “single largest debt item of the Philippines,” costing US$2.3 billion. Operations have been delayed since construction was completed in 1984 because of safety and environmental concerns and corruption in the contract process. The nuclear facility was shelved indefinitely after the devastating Chernobyl incident in Russia in April 1986.

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