RP seeks IAEA help in ‘mothballed’ nuke power

The Philippines has sought the assistance of the International Atomic Agency in its ongoing review and assessment of the possible rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) which has been dormant for more than two decades.

At a meeting last week in Manila with visiting IAEA Director Yukiya Amano, who was in the country last December 8 to 11, Philippine government officials said the IAEA can assist the Philippines “if and when the government decides to include nuclear power generation in its present energy mix.”

“In addition to the science and technology area, the Philippines benefits from the activities undertaken by the IAEA under its safety and security pillar, particularly in the review and assessment of the possible rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday.

While in the country, Amano toured the mothballed plant, a $2.3-billion facility

constructed during the Marcos regime that was nearly completed in 1984 but never fueled.

It was constructed in response to the 1973 oil crisis, as the Middle East oil embargo had put a heavy strain on the Philippine economy, and Marcos believed nuclear power to be the solution to meeting the country’s energy demands and decreasing dependence on imported oil.

When Marcos was overthrown by a people power revolt in 1986, the succeeding administration of President Corazon Aquino decided not to operate the plant due to strong opposition from Bataan residents and Philippine citizens.

Meanwhile, the IAEA has identified the Philippines as an excellent pilot member-state for its global water and maritime protection projects due to its expertise and activities in this field.

Amano visited the La Mesa Dam Watershed and inspected a Water Availability Enhancement Project being implemented by different government agencies, with the National Water Resources Board as lead.

The Philippines has had a long-standing cooperation with the IAEA in the area of water.

In June 2010, the country was re-designated as an IAEA Collaborating Center on the application of nuclear techniques in harmful algal bloom studies, more popularly known as the “red tide” phenomenon, that has made a significant contribution in addressing this problem that affects marine resources.

In a meeting Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Amano also discussed the Philippines’ role in the IAEA, particularly in the promotion and utilization of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

The Philippines played a critical leadership role in the multilateral stage with its presidency of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in May 2010, which dealt with issues relating to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, non-proliferation as well as disarmament.

In his meetings with Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Amano said the IAEA will continue to provide training to Philippine scientists, provision of equipment and implementation of projects in the nuclear field.

Amano was also briefed by Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde on the Philippines’ cancer control program, and also visited the Dr. Jose Fabella Reyes Medical Center to inspect its radiotherapy facilities.

The Department of Health is looking at expanding its cooperation with the IAEA in the area of cancer radiotherapy though regular training for Philippine health professionals in cancer research and treatment.

Amano is the current head of the IAEA, having been elected to the position in July 2009. Before being elected to the position, he previously served as a Japanese diplomat and international civil servant for the United Nations and its subdivisions.

The IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

Since it joined the agency on Sept. 2, 1958, the Philippines has been an active member of the IAEA in its three pillars of work: nuclear verification, science and technology, and promotional activities. –Michaela P. del Callar, Daily Tribune