Prospects and problems of nuclear power in the Philippines

The Philippine nuclear power program began in 1958 with the passage of Republic Act 2067, which created the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission. A series of small steps since that time were taken culminating in the latest big step - the signing in February 1976 of the contract for the first 600 MW(e) Pressurized Water Reactor with Westinghouse. The paper describes the series of steps beginning with the acquisition of a one (1) Megawatt thermal research reactor, which serves as training facility for personnel and the nucleus for development of atomic energy research and development in the country, through the feasibility studies, and finally, the entering of the contract. The problems facing the country's nuclear power program are also discussed, financing the availability of supply and fuel reprocessing service, radioactive waste management, public information, and development of local capability, to name a few. In connection with the uranium supply, the nation is embarking on an extensive exploration survey for uranium. In the case of fuel reprocessing, the concept of regional fuel reprocessing centers is being looked at. Efforts on the radwaste management program is presently concentrated on identifying suitable sites from among the country's more than 7,100 islands. The problems mentioned and many others pose a challenge to the country's ability and resources in order that the big step taken will ultimately lead to a forward progress in its nuclear power development