THE International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded its review mission on the creation of a Philippine nuclear energy program.
The Vienna-based intergovernmental organization said its mission team assessed the progress of recommendations and suggestions made during the initial Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) in 2018 to assist the Philippines in developing nuclear energy for electricity.
The IAEA reviewed the status of nuclear infrastructure development using the Phase 1 criteria of the IAEA Milestones Approach.
Phase 1 evaluated the readiness of a country to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power program.
According to the mission team, the Philippines has made significant progress to address most of the recommendations and suggestions, and has adopted a national position for a nuclear energy program.
This includes drafting and advancing a comprehensive nuclear law towards enactment; completing assessments in human resource development, regulatory framework, radiation protection, radioactive waste management, and emergency preparedness and response; and drafting policies and strategies in relevant areas of concern.
“The Philippines expanded the composition of its Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization to 24 organizations, and all related sub-committees are actively engaged to implement relevant activities. This indicates the level of commitment of the Philippines to proceed with their nuclear power program,” IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section mission team leader and technical lead Mehmet Ceyhan said.
The mission team noted, however, that more work is needed for the Philippines’ nuclear power strategy, as well as necessary studies for future activities related to the electrical grid, industrial involvement, and national legislation.
In the meantime, Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said the government would continue working with the IAEA.
“I welcome the encouraging assessment of the IAEA following the conclusion of the follow-up INIR done from Dec. 2-6 in Manila. The IAEA’s recognition of our progress in addressing most of the recommendations and suggestions from the initial 2018 INIR mission reflects the Philippine government’s steadfast commitment to developing a robust nuclear power program,” Lotilla said.
“I thank the IAEA for its invaluable partnership and for conducting this objective and professional review. This collaboration strengthens our ability to adopt nuclear energy responsibly alongside renewable energy sources, driving us closer to our goal of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.”
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