PH, South Korea to study rehabilitation of Bataan nuke plant

The study will start in January 2025.

The Philippines and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow both countries to work on a technical and economic feasibility study for the possible rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

“The signing of this MOU builds on the strong foundation of energy cooperation between the two countries. For the Philippines, it is a continuation of our efforts to enhance energy security, as outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

Prior to this, Korea has also studied the BNPP in 2008 and 2017.

This time, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP), Korea Electric Power Corporation KPS, and Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction will work with the Department of Energy to assess the technical and economic viability of rehabilitating the nuclear plant.

KHNP will fully fund a feasibility study to assess the BNPP in two stages. The first stage will evaluate the plant's current condition, and the second will determine the best way to refurbish it. The study begins in January 2025.

If the first phase of the study reveals that proceeding to refurbishment is not feasible, KHNP may make recommendations including building a conventional plant or a small modular reactor. 

The Philippines aims to have its first nuclear power plants operational by 2032, with an initial capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW), expanding to 2,400 MW by 2035 and reaching 4,800 MW by 2050.

To achieve its targets, the Philippines aims to form an independent nuclear regulatory authority and the passage of necessary legislation to ensure the safe and secure development of nuclear power.