Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation ROSATOM has conducted a workshop at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on December 11 in cooperation with the Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The workshop highlighted how “ROSATOM can help support the development of a nuclear power program particularly on Raising the Level of Public Acceptance, Human Resource Development Solution, Local Industry Involvement, Complex Fuel Supply Solution, and NPP Operation and Maintenance, among others,” ROSATOM said.
ROSATOM said topics included were the Integrated Offer of ROSATOM for NPP and Centers of Nuclear Science and Technologies Construction Projects, the Russian Technology’s VVER-1200’s evolution, design, safety and licensing and the National Nuclear Power Development.
The workshop is part of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation signed between DOE and ROSATOM last November 13.
“While nuclear energy applications have largely lifted humankind, safety concerns should not be neglected,” Director of Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla said in his opening statement. “In order to promote safety, the comprehensive nuclear law, now in advanced stages in Congress, will guarantee independence of a nuclear regulatory commission separate from the promotion and research thrusts of the PNRI.”
“Nuclear science is often only equated with energy and weapon applications, but in fact have huge potential in helping the Philippines, especially in increasing agricultural yields and in nuclear medicine. We welcome cooperation with Rosatom and will work together with the Russian nuclear regulators to ensure safety is guaranteed,” Arcilla added.
ROSATOM said the workshop was attended by Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization (NEPIO) of the DOE, representatives from the National Power Corporation (NPC), DOST and its attached agencies, namely: Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA), Science and Technology Information Institute (STII), as well as the Committee on Energy from the House of Representatives.