Regional power cooperative endorses nuclear energy revival for Philippines

CALASIAO, Pangasinan — A key rural power utility in northern Luzon has voiced support for reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as part of efforts to tackle the Philippines' persistent energy challenges.

The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) made its position known during a discussion on rural electrification and the country's energy development history. The plant, which the Marcos administration originally conceived in 1979 as a long-term solution to growing power demand, has remained dormant for decades amid safety and financial concerns.

Proponents of nuclear energy in the Philippines have increasingly argued that the technology is essential to reducing the nation's reliance on imported fossil fuels while meeting escalating electricity requirements across both urban and rural areas.

The endorsement from a regional cooperative underscores growing interest among energy stakeholders in exploring all viable options to address the country's power supply gaps. However, any decision to restart or reconstruct a nuclear facility would require approval from multiple government agencies and extensive public consultation.

The debate over nuclear power's role in the Philippines' energy future continues as policymakers seek to balance electricity needs with safety considerations and environmental concerns.