Philippines streamlines licensing for nuclear projects

The Department of Energy (DOE) said the streamlined end-to-end licensing framework was formulated during a Focus Group Discussion on Harmonising Nuclear Power Plant Licensing in the Philippines held on 11 February in Bonifacio Global City. Led by Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, Finance Undersecretary Catherine Fong and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Carlo Arcilla, the discussion gathered more than 100 stakeholders from the private sector, academia and 24 government agencies under the Nuclear Energy Programme Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC).

The regulatory pathway spans seven major phases requiring sequential and parallel approvals. These include: business registration and foundational permits; environmental clearances and nuclear siting requirements; licensing by the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) to construct or secure a provisional permit; energy sector-specific approvals and licenses; operational and support registrations and permits; construction monitoring and oversight; and licensing for operation, testing and commissioning.

The DOE said the government hopes to present the NEP-IAC-validated flowchart to prospective nuclear power project proponents who wish to invest in the Philippines, alongside relevant policies and investment incentives.

In response to the 1973 oil crisis, the Philippines decided to build the two-unit Bataan plant. Construction of Bataan 1 - a 621 MWe Westinghouse pressurised water reactor - began in 1976 and it was completed in 1984 at a cost of USD460 million. However, due to financial issues and safety concerns related to earthquakes, the plant was never loaded with fuel or operated. The plant has since been maintained. There have been several proposals over the years to either start up the plant or convert it to a gas-fired plant.

In March 2022, then President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order that outlined the government's position for the inclusion of nuclear energy in the Philippines' energy mix, taking into account economic, political, social and environmental objectives. The country aims to have its first nuclear power plants operational by 2032, with an initial capacity of 1,200 MW, expanding to 2,400 MW by 2035 and reaching 4,800 MW by 2050.

"By finalising this harmonised licensing roadmap, we are sending a clear signal that the Philippines is preparing for nuclear energy with discipline and foresight," said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. "Our commitment is straightforward: strong safety oversight, predictable processes, and transparent public engagement, so that when proponents are ready to invest, government is ready to evaluate, regulate, and deliver our 2032 target responsibly."