Boon or Bane

Introduction
Located in Morong, Bataan province, Philippines, is the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant,
a nuclear power establishment. Although built in the 1970s during President Ferdinand Marcos’
administration, it did not go into operation. When the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was put into
service in 1976, it was meant to be Southeast Asia’s first nuclear power plant. It was intended to
use a Westinghouse light water reactor with a 621 megawatt generating capacity. In the latter
years of the Marcos administration, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant emerged as a central figure
in the political opposition. Opponents claimed that by directing funds away from more urgent
social and economic demands, the initiative represented excess and despotism.
There has never been a greater need for dependable, sustainable, and reasonably
priced energy due to a growing population and economy. However, the Bataan Nuclear Power
Plant, a dormant the giant, stands over the Philippine energy sector despite this urgency. Despite
the lengthy discussion and suspicion surrounding the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, I firmly
support the plant’s continued operation. I shall contend in this essay that the restoration and
operation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is not only a sensible course of action, but also a
necessary one for the energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic well-being of
the Philippines.
Body
Addressing the Philippines’ ever-increasing energy demands is a critical concern. In the
upcoming years, it is anticipated that demand for electricity will continue to rise due to a rapidly
growing population and developing economy. By reducing dependency on imported fossil fuels
and lowering the risks associated with volatile oil prices and geopolitical unrest, the Philippines
would benefit from operating the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and have a more diverse energy
inventory.
Although the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant’s proximity to seismic fault lines has sparked
worries about safety, these hazards can be reduced with advances in nuclear technology and strict
regulatory control. Safety procedures and emergency preparedness measures have been enhanced
as a result of the lessons acquired from previous nuclear incidents. Robust regulatory scrutiny
and respect to international safety standards must precede any decision to operate the Bataan
Nuclear Power Plant. For the plant to run safely and responsibly, accountability and transparency
are crucial.

Conclusion
In the Philippines, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant continues to be one of the most
contentious places of historical significance. We are reminded of the significance of meticulous
planning, openness, and public accountability in forming the future of energy policy as the
Philippines struggles to fulfill its expanding energy needs in a sustainable manner. One practical
way to address the Philippines’ energy problems is to run the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. The
country may attain energy security, lower carbon emissions, and promote economic growth by
fully utilizing the plant’s capabilities. But safety, regulatory compliance, and financial
sustainability need to be carefully considered. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant can be a useful
tool in the Philippines’ transition to a sustainable energy future with careful planning and open
administration.

Sources:
World Nuclear Association. (n.d.). Philippines Nuclear Power Program. Retrieved from
https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-o-s/
philippines.aspx
Dancel, R. (2021, April 25). A nuclear power plant sits idle, a symbol of Philippines’ energy
struggle. The New York Times. Retrieved from
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/25/world/asia/philippines-nuclear-power-plant.html
International Atomic Energy Agency. (2018). Energy, Electricity, and Nuclear Power Estimates
for the Period up to 2050. Retrieved from https://www.iaea.org/publications/13551/energy-
electricity-and-nuclear-power-estimates-for-the-period-up-to-2050
World Nuclear Association. (2021). Nuclear Power in the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-o-s/
philippines.aspx
International Energy Agency. (2020). Philippines – Energy Policy Review 2020. Retrieved from
https://www.iea.org/reports/philippines-energy-policy-review-2020