Nuclear power seen as vital in energy mix

MANILA, Philippines — Nuclear energy may  play a vital role in the Philippines’ transition to a cleaner energy mix, according to AboitizPower Corp.

“I believe that nuclear could be part of the Philippine energy mix. It’s just a matter of time,” AboitizPower thermal power generation group chief operating officer Felino Bernardo said.

“What’s important is that we make sure that we have the capacity to plan and execute it in a safe way. Safety is number one as far as nuclear technology is concerned,” he said.

Nuclear energy is among the technologies being explored by the Philippines, but it is still considered as a long term option for the country for power generation.

Small modular reactors (SMR), in particular, are seen faster to build compared to large nuclear plants and can be deployed to off-grid areas for a more reliable source of electricity.  SMRs have a capacity between 50 megawatts (MW) and 300 MW.

AboitizPower said nuclear energy technology can be a source of reliable and clean baseload power in the country.

However, the company said uncertainties remain concerning inevitable tradeoffs in resources, which include locating where to build nuclear plants and where to store waste.

AboitizPower also said that nuclear technology is expensive, especially SMRs.

“If the promise of SMR will come true, it’s going to be affordable as well,”  Bernardo said, adding that it will still take decades before costs and prices become lower.

Aside from nuclear, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia co-firing are other technologies that may play a  vital role in the country’s energy mix and its transition.

The company said there is a need to develop LNG-to-power projects, as well as assess decarbonization strategies on traditional power generation assets to create a balanced energy mix that could support the country’s baseload electricity requirements vis à vis its economic growth and development.

LNG is considered a cleaner baseload fuel as it emits between 45 and 55 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than coal.

Ammonia and hydrogen, meanwhile, are alternative fuels that do not emit any carbon dioxide when burned.

If the technology is applied to existing coal-fired power plants, carbon dioxide emissions may be reduced by up to 50 percent, according to AboitizPower.

“A diverse national energy mix composed of renewables and thermal, as well as energy storage and even carbon capture, use and storage must be considered as an approach that can balance the growing needs for energy security, affordability, and sustainability, respectively,” AboitizPower said.

AboitizPower is expanding its renewable energy portfolio to 4,600 MW, resulting in a 50:50 balance between its renewable and thermal capacities by 2030.

The company currently has a pipeline of more than 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects, including developing wind and solar farms throughout the country, as well as geothermal.