Revival of 620MW nuclear power plant gets support from Philippine officials

A plant revival could help lower electricity costs in the country, officials said.

The Philippine Department of Finance (DOF) expressed support for the proposed revival of the cancelled Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), citing the need to lower electricity costs in the country, local media report.

Finance secretary Carlos G. Dominguez told reporters in a briefing that he is encouraging the DOF to study the revival of the 620MW NPP in central Luzon.

The annual maintenance cost of the NPP is reportedly at $504,248 (Php27m). Moreover, the Philippine energy secretary said that it would cost $2b to make the plant operational.

Energy secretary Alfonso Cusi said costs and social acceptance are amongst the government’s hurdles in reviving the NPP.

Photo by Jiru27, CC BY-SA 3.0