THE COUNTRY’S energy crisis is like a time bomb waiting to explode any time.
According to University of the Philippines professor Rowaldo del Mundo, the cost of electricity provided in the country is the third most expensive in Asia, with Iloilo’s electricity as the most expensive in the world.
Apparently, the Aquino government has seen solutions to this problem.
The mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) is under wraps for reinstallation under P-Noy’s orders. Also, several international nuclear power producers have expressed interest on investing and constructing nuclear power plants in the country.
The Korea Electric Power Corporation and a French power firm saw the country as a prospective spot for nuclear plants, but does this mean that energy in the country would come cheaper soon?
ASEAN countries including the Philippines expressed interest in building nuclear plants to aid the energy crisis that is crippling their countries anew. While the Philippines had a short-term solution to this crisis back in 1997, the country is still mired in energy problems.
The Aquino administration’s move to invest in nuclear power is a breath of fresh air, considering the fact that the previous administration attempted to do this, but ultimately ended in failure. The alarming fact that the country is the third most expensive power provider in Asia should be a wake-up call for legislators to look into alternative and renewable sources of energy in the country.
Considering too that fossil fuel is on the brink of extinction, countries producing “petro dollars” will face these energy problems and will result to the entropy of the country’s dependence for oil imports. Our lawmakers should consider reviewing laws and bills regarding alternative energy, not only nuclear power.
Although renewable energy will become expensive once it is introduced in the market, again, with the government’s help and support from international companies, alternative and renewable energy will be cheaper for Juan de la Cruz.
P-Noy’s plan to revive BNPP is a promise of renewal, not only for the energy sector, but also to the scientific community and the common Filipino. Why? Because this move once materialized, will trigger and motivate Filipino scientists to conduct research on alternative energy with focus on nuclear power. The energy sector may be able to forego problems in electricity production because of this.
Despite environmental hazards surrounding the revival of the BNPP, with proper funding and guidance, the country will eventually harness the benefits of nuclear energy in the long run. Scientists should look into the fact that the nuclear plant is in need of renovation, so as to minimize health and environmental perils.
Having setbacks in the legislation process regarding nuclear energy development, we should remain optimistic that this will become successful. The Department of Energy’s Philippine Energy Plan has plans for the use of nuclear energy as the country’s power source.
With timely amendments in the electric power industry reform act (Epira), the common Filipino may be able to sleep well at night without worrying about high electric bills. This would usher in a new era of change in the energy sector and development for the country. Fewer options for energy are left in front of us, why not utilize it? Carpe Diem!
