When smoke fills the sky, the atom lights the way

Reliance on fossil fuels keeps Filipinos trapped in unbearable heat, pollution, and frequent power outages. In the worst scenario where these energy resources deplete, the country risks facing economic and livelihood setbacks. Fortunately, the Philippines is reigniting its atomic ambition–tapping to the potential of nuclear power.

As the country reconsiders its electricity sources, harnessing nuclear power offers the Philippines a cleaner, sustainable energy supply, one that keeps the light on without costing the planet its future.

Into the mix

Introducing nuclear power to the energy mix ensures a stable, carbon-free source of electricity. This shift gradually reduces dependence on fossil fuels, which still make up 79% of the country’s power generation in 2024.

According to Ember Energy Research, the Philippines’ energy-related emissions have tripled in the last two decades as coal becomes the dominant fuel. This heavy reliance has left the nation vulnerable to shortages and volatile prices.

By harnessing nuclear power and diversifying energy sources, the country moves closer to true energy security and independence.

Powering safely

Skepticism persists on nuclear power because of two historical tragedies: Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi. These events have caused this energy to be wrongly associated with weapons of mass destruction.

As such, safety remains the strongest argument against nuclear energy. However, modern technology has since rewritten that narrative.

Today, power generation happens in highly controlled reactors. Through nuclear fission, Uranium atoms are split to release intense heat, which turns water into steam that spins turbines to produce electricity.

Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants generate massive amounts of electricity without releasing carbon dioxide. They provide clean, consistent energy while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.

In fact, Earth.Org emphasized that nuclear energy has caused fewer casualties and produced significantly less pollution. With no direct carbon emissions, it poses fewer health and environmental risks to communities.

Also, nuclear power plants take up less land footprint—31 times less than solar facilities and 173 times less than wind farms, according to the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI).

For a typical nuclear facility, which produces 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity, only one square mile of space is needed, making it one of the most space-saving energy available today.

This compact footprint highlights one of nuclear energy’s greatest strengths: high efficiency with minimal environmental disruption.

Waste managed

Debates on integrating nuclear energy are never complete without addressing the issue of radioactive waste. While it undeniably exists, it is safely managed and stored.

Based on the World Nuclear Association, spent fuel is kept in shielded facilities and monitored for decades so as to avoid any chance of radiation exposure to people, or any pollution.

Also, most can even be recycled or reused in advanced reactors, proving its sustainability compared to fossil fuels.

Signing to potential

With the Republic Act 12305 recently signed into law on Sept. 18, 2025, the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) was created, forming the foundation for a safe and competitive nuclear industry.

This initiative is the government’s proof that the Philippines is firm on boosting energy capacity and providing cities with cleaner electricity.

“PhilATOM is the clearest signal of this government that we’re dead serious in getting nuclear for power generation,” said Patrick Aquino, Director IV of the DOE’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau.

Aquino added that the Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) will collaborate to craft the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR), ensuring that medical machines using radiation—like X-ray and CT scan—are safe and properly regulated.

This highlights how PhilATOM’s missions extend beyond powering the nation but also protecting people’s health and wellbeing.

Charting nuclear hubs

Aquino emphasized that PhilATOM is studying and checking possible 15 nuclear sites in Luzon, such as Pangasinan, Palawan, Camarines Norte, and Masbate.

These hubs are concentrated in Luzon—a major island challenged by huge electricity demand. They will then complement the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, whose operations remain on hold.

Meanwhile, Aquino added that bringing nuclear energy into the energy mix will help the country attain its clean energy goals—boosting the share of renewable energy (RE) to 35% by 2030 and up to 50% by 2040.

“If we consider the mix, we need to have other sources, and DOE sees nuclear as a low-carbon option that we can include here,” he highlighted.

With fossil fuels keeping the country at a chokehold, nuclear energy lights the way to a cleaner, energy-independent Philippines.

Rather than fearing its destructive past, it’s time to look at the brighter side—a nation powered by progress and geared toward energy security.

Indeed, the future isn’t radioactive, it’s radiant.