Sunday, January 18, 2009 [ manilatimes.net ]
AROUND 190 solons are expected to support and petition for the immediate passage of a measure seeking to rehabilitate and utilize the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) when Congress resumes session on Monday.
The proposal, known as the “Bataan Nuclear Power Plant Commissioning Act of 2008,” calls for the immediate rehabilitation, commissioning and commercial operation of the BNPP to prevent an expected power shortage by 2012.
The nuclear plant, built during the Marcos regime, was shelved amid accusations of overpricing, corruption and concerns over its structure and safety. President Corazon Aquino nixed the plant’s operations.
The new measure substitutes House Bills 4631 and 1039 filed by Reps. Mark Cojuangco of Pangasinan and Jose Solis of Sorsogon, respectively, and House Resolution Nos. 257 and 250, introduced by Reps. Herminia Roman of Bataan and Roger Mercado of Southern Leyte, respectively.
The swelling price of fossil fuels and its effect on the environment, as well as global warming resulting in irregular and low water levels in dams make dependence on conventional means of harnessing energy unpredictable and unreliable in sustaining the country’s future energy needs.
In his explanatory note, Cojuangco said that by 2012, the country is projected to experience 24-hour cycle brownouts if the required 3,000 megawatts of base load capacity is not met.
This will be far worse than what the country experienced during the power crisis in the early 90s, he said.
The BNPP could be utilized to supply 640 megawatts of energy.-- Sammy Martin
