Over 70% of Filipinos support nuclear energy

There was a high approval rating for the rehabilitation of the Bataan nuclear plant.

The majority of Filipinos support the use of nuclear energy as a power source, according to a new survey.

According to a poll commissioned by the Philippine Department of Energy, “70% of adult Filipinos trust nuclear energy’s potential as a source of electricity.” There were also 76% of people who said they are eager to learn more about nuclear energy.

The survey was conducted from 6 to 24 May 2024 with 7,520 respondents aged 18 and above across the country.

Filipinos also approved the rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, with a net approval of +66 nationwide, whilst support for building new nuclear plants stood at +45. Support is also stronger among higher-income households, younger Filipinos, and those with higher levels of education.

Manila recently approved a law that will establish an independent nuclear regulator to ensure the safe and peaceful use of this energy source.

The Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act creates the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, a quasi-judicial body with exclusive jurisdiction over nuclear energy regulation.

The country targets to have 4,800 megawatts of nuclear power in the power generation mix through 2040 under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050.