EDITORIAL - Going nuclear

According to the Department of Science and Technology, the Philippines is more than capable of running, managing, and operating a nuclear power plant.

This after proposals to revive the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which has been sitting idle for decades, drew both support and derision.

“To me, it is an insult to hear that we can’t run a nuclear power plant...Our engineers are fantastic. Our problem is our politicians. They are a disaster,” said Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Carlo Arcilla.

It is actually becoming more practical to rely on clean or renewable energy sources. Considering how any conflict involving an oil-producing nation has the tendency to hike its prices, it is actually a good idea to wean ourselves from dependency on fossil fuels over time, as strange as that idea may sound.

Aside from solar, wave, and geothermal sources, nuclear energy is also an option. So we wouldn’t recommend closing the lead-lined door on that one.

But then again, this is nuclear energy we are talking about. Every precaution must be taken to make sure the operation of a nuclear power plant --granting that it is made operational-- is flawless, safe, and up to international standards.

That means no corners cut, no shortcuts taken, nothing done half-hearted.

And we Filipinos aren’t exactly known for our safety record. Let’s be honest here. The government doesn’t have all the personnel needed to safely inspect every building, every neighborhood, and be sure they are up to code. That’s why every once in a while fires break out and decimate entire communities. They happen so often we have become used to them.

It’s not just a matter of inspecting and dealing with hazards. A nuclear power plant will require special equipment. Most likely the kind not made or manufactured here. Every once in a while it may require the expertise of someone who is not trained here. Will the government be up to maintaining such a plant or hiring such people periodically or over a long time?

Arcilla is also right. Politicians can be an issue. Considering how our administrations change, and how some politicians prioritize some projects over others depending on interests and alliances, can we say this plant will always receive top attention?

Again, this is nuclear energy we are talking about. We all know what happened --and in fact is still happening-- in Chernobyl after their nuclear power plant failed.

Nuclear power has the power to destroy an entire city in a flash, or irradiate an entire region for generations to come. We certainly don’t want either happening here.