IAEA ready to assist Phl in nuke power generation

MANILA, Philippines –  The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is prepared to provide technical assistance to the Philippines if it decides to include nuclear power generation in its present energy mix, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano visited the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) during his official visit from Dec. 8 to 11.

He paid a courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo at the DFA office in Pasay City last Thursday to discuss the role of the Philippines in the IAEA. He also met with Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.                                  

The Philippines assumed presidency of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in May 2010, which discussed peaceful use of nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and disarmament of nations developing nuclear weapons.

The DFA said the agency can assess the possible rehabilitation of the plant.                                                          

The government is also looking at expanding its cooperation with the IAEA in training health professionals in the use of cancer radiotherapy.                                                                   

The IAEA serves as an intergovernmental forum for technical cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear power worldwide and inhibit its use for developing military weapons. It also promotes security standards in the use of nuclear energy.