Nuclear energy is extremely dangerous, unjust for communities, and destructive to our environment

Official Statement by the CSO Alliance and Communities Regarding the Nuclear Energy Agenda in the Philippines and Asia

Currently, the world faces a severe climate crisis. According to the latest data from the World Meteorological Organization, 2025 was the second hottest year in recorded history. The same report estimates that the massive environmental degradation resulting from this could lead to displacement and disrupt food systems. Asia is also one of the most vulnerable regions to the effects of climate change, with the Philippines ranking highest in Southeast Asia for exposure and vulnerability to climate hazards. Consequently, various groups are calling for structural changes in the energy system to move away from fossil fuels and strengthen mitigation and adaptation actions as solutions to this worsening crisis.

On the other hand, just a year ago, there was a resurgence of interest in nuclear energy as a solution to the climate and energy security crisis. Geopolitical tensions between China and the United States, along with alliances among several wealthy nations, have fueled what is being called an "atomic race." This race is allegedly funded not only by the governments involved in this competition but also by large corporations profiting from these crises. As a result, major public institutions like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have reversed their bans on nuclear energy investments in their policies. At the national level, the Philippine government has also taken significant steps to advance nuclear energy. This includes the creation of the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) through Department of Energy Order DO2016-10-0013, s. 2023, and the recent passage of the PhilATOM Law in 2025, which establishes a regulatory body and outlines steps for developing the country's nuclear energy capacity.

This move toward Nuclear Energy Development is strongly opposed by communities and a broad alliance of civil society organizations, People's Organizations, movements, human rights defenders, and environmental defenders in the Philippines. Nuclear energy is extremely dangerous, unjust for communities, and destructive to our environment. We refuse to let Filipino taxes be gambled on our safety and energy security. We also refuse to sacrifice the safety and health of our communities.

First, the history of nuclear energy is already marked by the worst tragedies. The Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disasters could happen in the Philippines due to similar risks, such as the country's high seismic and volcanic risks as part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where strong earthquakes, tsunamis, and active volcanoes are prevalent. This is exacerbated by climate change, which causes more destructive typhoons and flooding that could damage the cooling and power systems of nuclear plants. Furthermore, enhancing the country's disaster response capabilities remains a challenge, particularly in rapid evacuation and more effective coordination during national emergencies.

Second, nuclear energy is not an immediate solution to power shortages because it is extremely expensive and takes nearly 9–11 years or more to build and operate. Instead of quickly addressing the energy crisis, there is a risk that the country's limited funds will be directed toward projects with longer implementation timelines, rather than solutions that could be faster and more practical, such as renewable energy. In reality, the country is rich in renewable potential, with approximately 808 gigawatts of RE potential. Ultimately, the power shortage is a symptom of deeper issues regarding the privatization of the energy sector.

Third, nuclear energy carries risks similar to fossil fuels, especially in uranium mining, fuel processing, and dependence on global supply chains. Uranium mining can cause pollution and health hazards, while limited capacity for fuel processing and enrichment puts countries at risk of supply shortages and price hikes. Moreover, there is still no rapid and widely "acceptable" solution for the long-term disposal of nuclear waste, leaving environmental and safety risks as a major concern.

Fourth, funding nuclear energy places a heavy burden on the public, especially if it is financed through government debt or sovereign guarantees. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is an example of a hidden debt, where Filipino taxpayers paid billions of dollars for dangerous and unused infrastructure. Due to the high cost of these projects, funds for essential sectors like health, education, and more affordable energy systems may be reduced. This is worsened by frequent construction cost overruns and the long time before a return on investment is realized. The public burden is not limited to building the plant; it extends to accidents as well. The Fukushima disaster showed that instead of holding plant owners accountable, the Japanese government "bailed them out" using taxpayer money.

Fifth, there are issues of governance and "corporate capture" in pushing this technology. It is well known that the country suffers from severe corruption. In the Philippines' experience, controversies in flood control projects have revealed failures in infrastructure, substandard materials, corruption in procurement, political appointments in exchange for technical expertise, and weak regulation. When large businesses and political elites exert excessive influence over the nuclear energy sector, there is a risk that public safety will be overlooked for the sake of profit and power. Even minor compromises in maintenance, inspection, or safety standards could lead to widespread disasters and long-term health and environmental hazards. Because of this, the Philippines is becoming "guinea pigs" for new technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), promoted as a solution for the Philippines' complex grid, but in reality, companies pushing them—such as Valar Atomics—are circumventing regulations in the United States. It is not hard to see the weaknesses of our country's institutions, which are being exploited by foreign entities seeking only profit.

Sixth, nuclear energy is often tied to the conflicting interests of global superpowers and their allies. Currently, the Philippines primarily relies on the United States for capacity expansion, infrastructure, and technical guidance in regulation, along with other allied countries like Canada, South Korea, and Japan. Amidst intensifying geopolitical tensions in the region, the issue of energy should not be used to further trap the country in the expanding conflicts and influence of foreign powers.

Finally, nuclear energy is a false solution for advancing the country's decarbonization targets. As mentioned, it is extremely expensive, takes a long time to build, and is dangerous given the Philippines' natural conditions. At a time when renewable energy like solar and wind is becoming cheaper and faster to deploy, nuclear energy is no longer a primary option for decarbonization and energy transition.

Given these issues, our demands are clear:

For the National Government: Stop all plans, agreements, and public funding for nuclear energy projects, including the rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and the construction of new plants and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Repeal policies that accelerate nuclear energy development without sufficient transparency, public consultation, and independent review. Focus national resources on safe, rapid, and just renewable energy systems such as solar and wind, and community-based energy solutions for true energy security and energy democracy.

For Public Banks and Multilateral Development Banks: Stop funding, lending, and providing sovereign guarantees for nuclear projects that will only plunge the country deeper into debt and risk. Prioritize funding renewable energy, climate adaptation, and decentralized energy systems that are more affordable and faster to implement.

For Local Governments: Implement ordinances and resolutions declaring their communities as nuclear-free zones, especially in areas with high risks of earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and other disasters. Ensure meaningful consultation and participation of citizens in all matters related to energy and community safety.

For Regulatory Agencies and Public Institutions: Ensure full transparency, accountability, and independent regulation in the energy sector to prevent corporate capture, corruption, and political interference. Protect the public interest and safety over the interests of large corporations and foreign powers.

For the International Community and Wealthy Nations: Do not use the issue of nuclear energy as an instrument of geopolitical influence and the expansion of global superpowers' interests in the region. Support a just and people-centered energy transition based on climate justice and national sovereignty.

Amidst the worsening climate and livelihood crisis, nuclear energy is not the just, safe, and environmentally sound path for the Philippines. Instead of pouring public resources into this expensive, dangerous, and slow technology, the government should focus its support on affordable, democratic, and sustainable renewable energy systems that truly serve the people and the future of the next generation.