The Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday the National Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN) has been reviewed and refined as the government eyes nuclear sources in its power generation mix.
The DOE and Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Nuclear Research Institute led two writeshops, along with 70 participants from 23 member agencies of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC ).
In a statement, the DOE said the agencies have reviewed and refined the RADPLAN during a comprehensive planning to establish clear coordination, effective preparedness strategies, and clear operational guidelines in case a disaster caused by nuclear energy occurs.
“This plan strengthens the country’s emergency response readiness, reducing risks from both internal and external nuclear and radiological hazards,” DOE Director Nenito Jariel Jr., who leads the NEP-IAC Subcommittee on Emergency Planning.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will be assess the RADPLAN to ensure that it aligns with the national disaster risk reduction policies.
Meanwhile, the NEP-IAC is developing the Nuclear Energy Program Roadmap to meet the 19 International Atomic Energy Agency infrastructure requirements.
It is also reviewing compliance with nuclear safety, security and safeguards to finalize protocols and regulations before constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant.
The Marcos administration is eyeing a first commercially operating nuclear power plant in the country by 2032, generating 1,200 megawatts of cleaner energy to meet increasing power demand. (PNA)
