By Alex Villafania
INQUIRER.net
DESPITE failed attempts in the past to utilize nuclear power in the Philippines, it may still have a future and could prove useful, safe and cost-effective, according to proponents.
During a presentation on June 8, executives from the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) touted the potential of nuclear power, as stated in the Philippine Energy Plan created in the late 1990s.
PNRI Director Alumanda De la Rosa said in her report that nuclear technology is one of the energy sources that can be considered for implementation for 2022 to 2025, a three-year window wherein an alternative fuel source can be used for the country’s power requirements.
Apart from nuclear power, other alternatives considered were solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal and wind power.
“We’re still reviewing all of the options, the advantages of each technology and their disadvantages. So far nuclear power has some good potential. Worldwide, nuclear power and at times hydroelectric power save eight percent in greenhouse emissions annually,” De la Rosa said.
Environmental concerns
One advantage of nuclear power is that it produces very little carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide elements, or those generally called “greenhouse gases” that destroy the ozone layer.
Greenhouse gases are blamed for the increase in global temperature as these trap heat in the atmosphere. These gases are produced largely by burning of fossil fuels but coal-fired and gas-powered plants also contribute to the production of greenhouse gases.
De la Rosa said that nearly all of the countries that currently use nuclear energy as power source are compelled to protect the environment by shifting from power plants using fossil fuels to nuclear power.
“There are also environmental motivations to using nuclear power because they emit so little greenhouse gases. However, there are also fears about disposing them so we’re currently making studies as to these aspects in using nuclear technology,” De la Rosa said.
Philippine plans
De la Rosa said the Philippine government had already started considering nuclear technology, beginning with former Philippine President Fidel Ramos creating the Nuclear Power Steering Committee in 1995. Nuclear power was also considered in as part of the Philippine Energy Plan.
The most important aspect is developing the manpower to handle nuclear technology. “We have to create more experts; engineers, chemists, physicists, utility professionals and among others. This means working with educational institutions to promote the science of nuclear energy,” De la Rosa said.
De la Rosa reminded that there are still many improvements being done for nuclear technology, particularly the type of nuclear power plants that can be built. One such type is called a proliferation-resistant plant, which prevents the creation of fissible material for nuclear weapons.
Nonetheless, the idea of using nuclear power also has very sensitive socio-political aspects, particularly with the failure of the utilization of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos. Also, the nuclear disasters such as Chernobyl in Ukraine and Three Mile Island in the US frighten even advocates of alternative energy.
“There is still some need to convince people that nuclear power can become a safer choice. We’re stepping up campaigns to tell people about the potential of nuclear power and the assurances that can be made in its use,” De la Rosa said.
Part of the plan is to create a regulatory body that will ensure the proper use of nuclear technology and working with the International Atomic Energy Agency in the disposal of nuclear waste.
On the other hand, De la Rosa said nuclear power may or may not be used in the Philippines in the future. Nonetheless, she is optimistic that it could work for everyone’s benefit.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:49 pm
actually this will took a lot of time in planning because this project holds the future of the society. Either the consequences may resolve great benefit or cause huge harm to all of us and that also includes our nature.
March 3rd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I’m not for nuclear power plant. We could not deny the fact that we are dependent on coal and fossil fuels as our energy source yet we should realize the adverse effect that nuclear power plant could bring. If the government could not even implement stict rules on decreasing carbon dioxide emmisions of coal power plant by employing efficient technology, how much more of nuclear power plants. Any mishandling of this nuclear power plant could cause such disaster. Imagine Chernobyl in our own country and how it may damage our natural resources, the people in this country… Let scientists think of better ways to solve this problem… Think of other effective energy source.., Researches should focus on developing alternative energy (bioethanol,biofuels, microbial fuel cell).
February 27th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Let us not forget that nuclear power plants are also subject to the same technological innovations that others enjoy (cars, ships, airplanes), making them environmentally sound. We have developed eco-friendly automobiles through hybrid and/or fuel cell technology. The same is taken to fore with nuclear power plants. These power generators have undergone drastic changes over the years and manpower training has been significantly improved. Experts are nearing full development of fourth-generation nuclear reactors which will be inherently safer, more environmentally-sound, and fool-proof against terrorist agenda.
Heard about the Pebble Bed Reactor (PBR). Here’s an entry from wikipedia.org:
“The pebble bed reactor (PBR) is a type of nuclear reactor.
The design aims to achieve lower risks and higher thermal efficiencies than possible in traditional Nuclear Power Plants. Instead of water, it uses pyrolytic graphite as the neutron moderator, and an inert or semi-inert gas such as helium, nitrogen or carbon dioxide as the coolant, at very high temperature, to drive a turbine directly. This eliminates the complex steam management system from the design and increases the thermal efficiency (ratio of electrical output to thermal output) from 32-35% to 40-50%. Also, the gases do not dissolve contaminants or absorb neutrons as water does, so the core has less in the way of radioactive fluids and is more economical than a light water reactor.”
February 13th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
I am a sophomore high-school student in the Philippines. I think that the nuclear power plant in the Philippines should not be opened for it makes a major risk. Have you ever seen the pictures of those living in Chernobyl after the accident happened? The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring Of Fire. It could also affect volcanic eruptions when the nuclear power plant is activated. It would be scary to exchange your health with risks just for having enough energy and electricity for everyone. I hope they would not push through nuclear power plants for the effects and disadvantages are very scary.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
dats very hooey acts if you pipol dont know how to preserved other resources…if you go with it,,it will only destroy our own blessed country,,,,,