Pursuing the technology-neutral approach to resilient energy, the Department of Energy (DOE) led by Secretary Alfonso Cusi and the Russian Federation State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) agreed on a nuclear cooperation program under a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) which was signed on November 13.
“The cooperation with Russia is part of the government’s intention to develop a variety of applications for nuclear energy that are within our policies particularly for power generation,” Cusi said.
Cusi also pointed out that through the MOC, the Philippines can benefit from the vast experience of Russia in the safe use of nuclear and emerging technologies for the purpose of power generation.
The undertakings in the MOC would support the Philippines in coming up with a national position and the crafting of a nuclear energy policy that may lead to a nuclear energy program.
Under the MOC, the Philippines and Russia agree to conduct studies on nuclear infrastructure and the audit and assessment on the condition of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) and possible options for its use or rehabilitation.
The MOC also allows both parties to conduct similar studies on nuclear power plants in general as may be deemed necessary and consistent with national energy development plans and policies of the Philippines.
Both the Philippines and Russia are part of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and are parties to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
This cooperation will be implemented in the form of joint working groups to undertake specific projects, exchange of experts; workshops and training of personnel and sharing of technical information.
This MOC is good for 5 years with the option to be renewed for the same period unless one party notifies the other through diplomatic channels of either one’s intention to suspend or terminate the agreement. DOE