DOST-PNRI Career Scientist Dr. Angel Bautista VII addressing the concerns brought up by environmental and consumer groups on nuclear energy
Challenges by Environmental and Consumer Groups met by PNRI scientists and nuclear advocates
Taking the nuclear dialogue to the next level, the DOST - Philippine Nuclear Research Institute hosted a Nuclear Energy Forum attended by representatives of consumer groups and environmental organizations late this January.
Organized by nuclear advocacy group Alpas Pinas, Kuryente.Org, and Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE), the forum proved an invaluable avenue for nuclear advocates and scientists to meet and speak with stakeholders both for and against nuclear power and address each other's concerns and challenges.
The event started with PNRI Director Dr. Carlo Arcilla introducing the participants to some of the most heavily-debated topics on nuclear power, from the latest developments in reactor technology to persisting safety and waste management issues.
Hot on his heels is Congressman Mark Cojuangco, Chairperson of the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, who expounded more on benefits of nuclear power and its policy aspects, particularly the recently enacted PhilATOM law and other legislative initiatives.
Also part of the panel is Congressman Sergio Dagooc, House Deputy Minority Leader and representative of APEC Partylist, who brushed up on the economics of power generation for baseload and renewablees, and the role of policies in the high costs of electricity.
They are joined by PNRI Career Scientist Dr. Angel Bautista VII who clarified the increasing role and indispensable expertise of the Institute across various sectors as the country continues its slow but steady strides in including nuclear power in the energy mix.
After an intense exchange of opinions during the question and answer portion, participants were brought along a tour of the Philippine Research Reactor - 1 Subcritical Assembly for Training, Education and Research (PRR-1 SATER), the country's first and only presently operating nuclear reactor training facility, for a hands-on demonstration of how nuclear energy works and the technology behind how nuclear reactors are operated.
Participants during a tour of the PRR-SATER facility
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