Legal framework needed on nuclear energy
The Philippines has a lot to learn from advanced countries on nuclear technology as a national power resource.
“There is a wide range of issues that we need to explore and thresh out before we can accurately measure the true potential of nuclear technology as an alternative energy source in the Philippines,” said Sherwin Gatchalian, Senate committee on energy chairman.
In a statement, Gatchalian said a comprehensive legal framework on the use of nuclear power would have to be crafted first if the country would add nuclear power to the energy mix.
He noted the need to set up a nuclear regulatory body which would oversee the following: licensing, inspection, and enforcement; radiation protection; sources of radiation and radioactive material; safety of nuclear facilities; emergency preparedness and response; transport of radioactive material; radioactive waste and spent fuel; liability and coverage; non-proliferation and physical protection; export and import controls; and physical protection.
Gatchalian said at present, the country’s only existing nuclear energy body is the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute under the Department of Science and Technology whose functions center on radiation and nuclear research and development.
“All of the gaps in our nuclear energy legal framework would first need to be addressed by passing comprehensive legislation… A strong national framework on nuclear power must be compliant with international standards on safety, security, safeguards, and liability,” Gatchalian said.
He added the Philippines has yet to ratify three key international nuclear conventions, namely the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and the amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
“There is a wide range of issues that we need to explore and thresh out before we can accurately measure the true potential of nuclear technology as an alternative energy source in the Philippines,” said Sherwin Gatchalian, Senate committee on energy chairman.
In a statement, Gatchalian said a comprehensive legal framework on the use of nuclear power would have to be crafted first if the country would add nuclear power to the energy mix.
He noted the need to set up a nuclear regulatory body which would oversee the following: licensing, inspection, and enforcement; radiation protection; sources of radiation and radioactive material; safety of nuclear facilities; emergency preparedness and response; transport of radioactive material; radioactive waste and spent fuel; liability and coverage; non-proliferation and physical protection; export and import controls; and physical protection.
Gatchalian said at present, the country’s only existing nuclear energy body is the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute under the Department of Science and Technology whose functions center on radiation and nuclear research and development.
“All of the gaps in our nuclear energy legal framework would first need to be addressed by passing comprehensive legislation… A strong national framework on nuclear power must be compliant with international standards on safety, security, safeguards, and liability,” Gatchalian said.
He added the Philippines has yet to ratify three key international nuclear conventions, namely the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and the amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material.
