Environmental group Greenpeace Philippines has strongly criticized the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 2899, which sets the stage for the development and use of nuclear energy in the country.
The bill, which aims to establish a legal framework for nuclear power utilization, was approved on June 10 despite mounting concerns from environmental and civil society groups.
Greenpeace campaigner Khevin Yu condemned the move, calling it “reckless and rushed,” and accused lawmakers of disregarding public safety, environmental integrity, and historical lessons from past nuclear disasters.
“Nuclear energy is dangerous. No matter how many promised safety measures are put in place, the truth remains: nuclear accidents can and do happen,” Yu said, citing the catastrophic meltdowns in Chernobyl and Fukushima. “To ignore these disasters is to gamble with the lives of millions of Filipinos and the health of our environment for generations to come.”
Nuclear energy not cheaper, would make PH more dependent on foreign suppliers
The group also disputed claims that nuclear energy is a cost-effective solution to the country’s power needs.
According to Yu, nuclear power is one of the most expensive sources of energy, with a levelized cost of electricity ranging from $140 to $222 per megawatt-hour—far higher than the $29 to $92 per MWh range for renewable energy sources.
“Adding nuclear to our already import-dependent energy mix would only increase our vulnerability to foreign interests, putting communities at greater risk,” Yu added.
Instead, Greenpeace urged the government to invest in the country’s abundant and indigenous renewable energy resources, such as solar, wind, and hydro power. The group emphasized that these safer and cleaner options are more sustainable and economically viable in the long run.
Greenpeace is calling on the Senate to repeal the bill before implementation begins and urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to abandon the country’s nuclear ambitions in favor of a full transition to renewable energy.
“This is a crossroads moment for our country’s energy future,” Yu said. “We can either choose a dangerous, outdated technology or embrace a safer, more sustainable path powered by renewables.”
