The Department of Energy (DOE) believes that conducting feasibility studies on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) will be a significant advantage for the Philippines.
The DOE recently signed an agreement with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP), where the Korean firm will lead the study, focusing on both the technical and economic aspects of the BNPP.
All expenses for the study will be shouldered by KHNP.
In a statement, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla emphasized that the study will strengthen the Philippines’ energy security, as outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP).
According to Lotilla, the feasibility study will be conducted in two phases: the first will assess the current condition of the BNPP, while the second will evaluate whether the plant can still be revived.
If the plant cannot be revived, Lotilla said the Korean firm could recommend alternative options, such as building a conventional plant or a small modular reactor.
KHNP operates the Kori Nuclear Power Site in Busan, a facility similar to the Bataan plant.
Under the PEP, the Philippines aims to establish its first nuclear power plant by 2023 with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts and to increase its capacity to 2,400MW by 2035. By 2050, the goal is to raise the capacity to 4,800MW.