Nuclear power plant risky – Petilla
LINGAYEN –Is it safe to have a nuclear plant in Pangasinan?
Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla’s response – Yes and No. “Nuclear energy is relatively safe. Pero isang aksidente ka lang, hindi ka na makakabawi.”
The question was posed to him during a press conference held on May 30 for his reaction to a proposal aired by former Fifth District Rep. Mark Cojuangco that a nuclear power plant be built in Pangasinan
He said that human error remains a big threat to the operation of a nuclear energy resource and the consequence could be irreparable.
He also expressed doubt that the prospect of operating a nuclear power plant will get public approval since the operation merely of a coal-fired power plant in a community is already the object of public protests.
Mr. Petilla pointed out that the process will not be easy because all stakeholders must agree – local government leaders, Indigenous People (IP) living in the area, Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), assuming there will be no serious objection from senators and congressmen.
The energy secretary said the former solon will likely initiate via referendum to seek support for construction of a nuclear power plant in the province.
Petilla, however, estimated that only 30-centavo will be deducted from the existing power rates for the operation of a nuclear power plant. “To earn a P1.50 reduction, we will be needing five nuclear power plants,” he explained.
The energy secretary, who welcomes the use of alternative energy resources, said that the country cannot just rely on one type of energy resource. “We need to have a good mix, to include renewable energy resource like solar energy,” he said.
When asked what spared Luzon from energy shortage or prevalent rotating power interruptions during summer time, Petilla said that he had asked power plant operators to conduct their maintenance operations in succeeding months after summer to help ease energy crisis.
Petilla, a three-term Governor of Leyte province (2004-2013) led the switch-on ceremony for Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) of the national government which coincided with the cooperative’s Annual General Membership Assembly. (PIO)
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