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Anger mounts over Duterte backflip on nuclear energy

Philippine bishops, environmental groups vow to oppose plans to revive 'dangerous' Bataan power plant
Anger mounts over Duterte backflip on nuclear energy

Philippine Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi (in white) explains to International Atomic Energy officials how the Bataan nuclear plant's reactor works. The facility was completed in 1984 at a cost of US$2 billion, but never produced a single watt of electricity after it was mothballed. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Energy)

Published: November 14, 2016 05:03 AM GMT
Updated: November 14, 2016 05:14 AM GMT

A Catholic bishop has expressed dismay over Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's reversal of an earlier decision to reject proposals to revive a mothballed nuclear power plant.

"We are saddened and disappointed," said Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, a diocese north of Manila where the nuclear plant is located.

The prelate, a member of the permanent council of the bishops' conference, said people in his diocese "are firm with our decision [and] determined to oppose any move to rehabilitate" the power plant.

"Our beliefs do not change, [the nuclear power plant] is dangerous and will bring death and destruction as it sits on an active volcano," said Bishop Santos.

The prelate was reacting to a statement made by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who said Duterte has approved the rehabilitation of the nuclear plant, which was built in the 1970s.

The Bataan nuclear power plant in Morong in Bataan province was constructed during the dictatorship of former president Ferdinand Marcos. 

Costing US$.2.3 billion by the time of its completion in 1984, it remains intact, including the nuclear reactor.

Successive governments have refused to start the plant up after studies revealed it was built near a major geological fault line.

In a statement on Nov. 4, Duterte said nuclear power plants would "not operate during his presidency."

"We have not reached the danger zone wherein we will die if there is no available energy," he said, adding that the use of nuclear power must be studied carefully.

Cusi, however, said the Duterte administration "will study nuclear energy as a possible option for the Philippines."

"We stand behind the president’s pronouncements on ensuring the safe utilization of all energy sources, especially with the renewed interest on nuclear energy technology," said the official in a Nov. 10 statement.

 

Revival of plant to breed corruption

Bishop Santos said reviving the nuclear power plant, which would be estimated to cost US$1 billion, will only breed corruption "as it did with its construction."

"May our government officials take into consideration the life and future of our people and environment, not on profit nor on material convenience," added the prelate who earlier lauded Duterte's announcement not to use the plant.

Activist group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment warned that the rehabilitation of the plant will also "cost billions in grave environmental risks."

"We deplore President Duterte’s approval of the proposed rehabilitation under the false premise that the safety and security of the plant will be ensured," said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of the environmental network.

He said the project is replete with "proven geological, infrastructural, and environmental risks that will likely entail unbearable costs."

"It is the Filipino people who will ultimately pay the price of these massive risks with billions in wasted taxpayers’ money, or worse with their lives," added Bautista.

He said the estimated US$1-billion rehabilitation cost "is just the tip of the iceberg."

"There are a lot of costs associated with the current state of nuclear waste management technology, as well as the various physical and technical risks surrounding the plant," said Bautista.

Controversy surrounding the building of the nuclear plant resulted in its non-operation.

Marcos reportedly received at least US$80 million in kickbacks from the construction of the 620-Megawatt power plant that was contracted to the American company Westinghouse Electric

The entire project cost US$2.3 billion, while Westinghouse put a price of US$687 million for a 930-Mw nuke plant in Spain during the same era.

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