UN experts eyed to review Kepco study on nuclear

MANILA, Philippines – The International Atomic Energy Agency, a UN-sanctioned institution, is likely to be invited to reevaluate the study conducted by Korea Electric Power Co. (Kepco) on the possibility of reviving the Philippines’ first nuclear facility in Bataan.

Informed sources said there is a possibility that the US-based nuclear expert would visit the country anytime this month if the core group undertaking the re-evaluation of the technical aspects of Kepco’s study would invite the international firm.

“It will depend on the core group. If they will recommend that we invite the IAEA, there is a possibility that they will visit the country soon,” the sources said.

Sources said at least 32 engineers from various agencies headed by the National Power Corp. (Napocor) are currently conducting a reevaluation of the Kepco’s study on Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

The review team is expected to submit its recommendation to a core group by July 30 this year.

This core group will, in turn, present the result of the technical reevaluation study to President Aquino.

The group is composed of representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Nuclear Institute, and Napocor. –Donnabelle L. Gatdula (The Philippine Star)