'Switch to nuclear can reinforce positive growth of PH economy'

ACCORDING to the Philippines Economic Update report (https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2024/12/11/philippines-economy-maintains-strength-amid-global-geopolitical-tensions) released by the World Bank, the country is projected to achieve robust economic growth of 6 percent from 2024 to 2026.

FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY Alpas Pinas convenes media briefing that underscores the central role of cheap, clean, and reliable energy in driving economic growth and sustainability with Gayle Certeza and Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco. ALPAS PINAS PHOTO

However, this positive outlook comes with significant risks.

The same report highlights potential threats such as geopolitical tensions, volatile commodity prices, and adverse weather conditions, which could destabilize the foundations of progress.

At the core of these challenges lies the nation's energy supply.

According to a report by Ember, coal fuels 61.9 percent of the country's electricity generation, with 80 percent of this coal imported.

This has made the Philippines the most coal-dependent country in Southeast Asia as of 2023, with electricity rates peaking at P11 per kWh, the second highest in the region.

This calls for the urgent need for a transformative energy solution while fostering growth and sustainability.

This is where nuclear energy emerges as a viable alternative.

In a media briefing conducted by Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, nonprofit organization advocating for clean, cheap and reliable energy, the organization's lead convenor Gayle Certeza and Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco underscored the central role of cheap, clean and reliable energy in driving economic growth and sustainability.

"Nuclear's reliable, low-carbon supply offers a pathway to affordable and sustainable energy solutions, making it an attractive alternative in the Philippines' energy transition," Cojuangco explained. Certeza reinforced Cojuangco's point.

"With nuclear, the system costs [a] one-time investment, and [there is] no need to create a backup source because the energy source is infinite, making this energy source cheap, which fuels economic growth," she said.

Meanwhile, Alpas Pinas remains steadfast in its advocacy, urging policymakers to act decisively and harness nuclear energy's potential to drive economic growth, ensure energy security, and create a more sustainable future.