Due to rapid consumer demand for energy, the Philippines starts to suffer from shortages in the supply of various energy sources. One of the most valuable energies that are now lacking supply is the electricity where most of the basic needs rely on this power. As more demand hits the remaining power resources of the country, the government is now considering other options to ensure that alternative power is the key that helps prevent any shortages.
The agony of ensuring a stable energy supply prompted government officials to immediately find a solution to the depleting energy source. And one of the best options is to revive the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. This is about time the Philippines should reconsider rehabilitating the Nuclear Power Plant. The government spent at least $2.3 Billion to build the structure, which aims to provide a sustainable energy resource that will power electricity. Although Nuclear Power takes time and more funds to build, the facility is one of the cheapest and environmentally friendly when it will be used by the authorities to generate power.
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| Exterior and interior of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant |
Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi indicated that Bataan is the cheapest facility that the country can use. The Philippines is currently struggling with the labor, time, and cost of maintenance to other power plants all over the nation. The country has already been suffering the consequence of importing raw materials to generate energy. However, the financial capability of the nation is always at risk because importation of these materials cost a large chunk to the country's budget allocated for the energy sector.
When the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant will be rehabilitated and operational, it can start generating at least more than 750,000 homes. This is because the power plant can generate at least 621 MegaWatts of energy. 750,000 homes can already affect at least 4 million individuals or even more. The plant can even increase its capacity after rehabilitation, which could increase the number of homes that can be powered by the plant. The capacity of the plant can power the whole Central Luzon and some parts of National Capital Region.
The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is a gift from the past administration to the present administration. It would be a waste if the plant will not still be used to generate power. The Philippines will no longer have to pay for expensive raw materials just to generate electricity through coal or gasoline, which are the two most imported materials paid by the Philippine government.
One of the most important advantages of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is that the plant is CO2 emission free. This means that while it generates electricity, it can't generate harmful greenhouse gas.Upper-income countries such as France, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom are air pollution free because most of their power plants are not emitting carbon dioxide.
The only thing needed is to reinstate the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission. This will be the regulating body responsible for handling the activities and procedures of all atomic affairs of the Philippines such as managing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. This will be the most important step to secure the rehabilitation and regeneration of the only nuclear power plant in the country.
The nuclear power plant is in preservation mode. This means that the government has been paying for tens of millions for the maintenance of the power plant. Since the plant was not used for at least more than 30 years, it requires intensive upgrades because unused facilities and materials need replacement before it will be fully operational.
