Pia on nuclear energy revival: "Look before we go nuke"

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to open its nuclear energy development plan to extensive discussion and debate that would involve experts, lawmakers, and the general public.

The lady senator said she is keeping an open mind to the energy department's plan to study the rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), but added that the process should be opened to scrutiny by independent experts, Congress and concerned sectors.

"Nuclear power is being promoted in some countries and being discontinued in others. Proponents claim that it is the most environment-friendly energy source, and that new technology and lessons learned make it safer now."

"But we need to study this very carefully. We must strike a balance between the need to meet our energy requirements in the coming decades, and taking precautions with the known risks of nuclear power, as well as its possible impact on health and the environment," Cayetano said.

"We should look before we leap. Let's weigh the nuclear option very carefully and make it a subject of public debate."

The lady senator reminded the DOE not to discount the country's vast potential in renewable energy sources which are not only safe and clean, but could also be cheaper in the long run.

She the recent passage of the Renewable Energy Law (Republic Act 9513) should prompt the government to create more opportunities for investment on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, sea, mini-hydro and geothermal power.