Philippines could re-start idle nuclear plant

Rehabilitating the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant will cost US$1billion.

State-owned power firm National Power Corporation (Napocor) hopes the government considers its proposed US$1 billion rehabilitation plan for the inert BNPP.

Napocor nuclear energy core group manager Mauro Marcelo Jr. said a go signal from Malacañang is necessary in reviving the 29-year-old plant whose operation will help alleviate a possible power crisis.

The US$1 billion rehabilitation cost will mostly be spent on upgrades and replacements for about 25% of the facility's equipment. The rest of will be poured into preservation and maintenance of the nuclear plant.

The government has to pick up the tab since no private player will likely want to get involved in the in the nuclear facility project, Marcelo said.