1 week ago
4
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Brix Lelis - The Philippine Star
May 29, 2025 | 12:00am
Department of Energy.
Philstar.com / Irra Lising
MANILA, Philippines — The country’s ambitious goal to energize homes with nuclear power is likely to gain further momentum following a major leadership change at the Department of Energy (DOE).
Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin is set to take the helm at the DOE, as outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla moves to lead the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Garin’s promotion as DOE’s officer-in-charge has ignited optimism among nuclear energy advocates, including power giant Manila Electric Co.
Meralco executive vice president and COO Ronnie Aperocho said in a recent interview that he is upbeat about the incoming DOE chief’s leadership in advancing nuclear targets.
“Hopefully… because she’s really on top of the nuclear agenda. We have not discussed it yet, but we think it will be at the top of her agenda,” Aperocho said.
Last year, Garin led the unveiling of the government’s nuclear roadmap, which outlines the country’s path toward realizing its nuclear dream.
Under the roadmap, the Philippines wants to have commercially operational power plants by 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts entering the energy mix. This is expected to scale up to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 by 2050.
Garin has also underscored the need to establish an independent nuclear regulatory authority, which will oversee the safe and secure use of nuclear power.
As such, several lawmakers are pushing for the passage of the PhilATOM bill or the Philippine Nuclear Energy Safety Act.
PhilATOM pertains to the proposed Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, which will assume all regulatory tasks currently managed by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.
Aperocho, however, does not expect the measure to be passed into law during the 19th Congress, given the limited time.
Congress, currently in recess, is scheduled to reconvene on June 2 and adjourn on June 13.
“Hopefully in the next Congress, it will become a top priority for the Senate so it (PhilATOM bill) can be passed,” Aperocho said.
The House of Representatives approved the measure on third and final reading late in 2023, but only gained traction in the Senate last December and early this year.
