QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippines and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to undertake a feasibility study on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) beginning in January 2025.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol witnessed the MOU signing between the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) in Malacañan Palace on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
Marcos said in his speech during the event, “And in view of the Republic of Korea’s successful experience in the nuclear industry, we have also signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the Feasibility Study of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). This will carry out a thorough feasibility study to continue progress on the BNPP Rehabilitation, which we envision to contribute to energy security in the country.”
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, for his part, said, “The signing of this MOU builds on the strong foundation of energy cooperation between the two countries. For the Philippines, it is a continuation of our efforts to enhance energy security, as outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP).”
Under the MOU, KHNP will shoulder the entire cost of conducting the technical and economic feasibility study for the BNPP.
KHNP is the operator of the Kori Nuclear Power Site in Busan, which is described as an identical nuclear facility to the mothballed BNPP.
The study aims to assess the viability, safety, and sustainability of various nuclear energy options to help the Philippine government make well-informed decisions on pursuing nuclear energy to support the country’s long-term energy goals.
According to the DOE, the feasibility study would be done in two phases—first, assessing the current condition of BNPP, and second, evaluating if it is viable to revive the BNPP based on the data being gathered from the first phase of the study.
“Should the findings from the first phase determine that proceeding to the next phase is not advisable, KHNP may recommend alternative options, including the construction of a conventional plant or the development of a small modular reactor,” it added.
Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to have the first nuclear power plant in 2032 with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, expanding to 2,400 MW by 2035 and reaching 4,800 MW by 2050. (PIA DMD)
