The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) recently said that there is a need for a new law on nuclear energy.
 
Republic Act 5207 provides for the licensing of atomic energy facilities and materials and establishes the rules on liability for nuclear damage, and for other purposes.
 
However, the PNRI proposes for a new law called Comprehensive Nuclear Regulation Act of 2007, which will allow the creation of the Philippine Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
 
Once formed, the Philippine Nuclear Regulatory Authority will regulate the nuclear, security, and safety aspects in the utilization of ionizing radiation sources.
 
“There is a need for a new law to effectively and efficiently regulate the country’s nuclear and radiological activities in order to ensure public health, safety, security, and to protect the environment,” said Eulinia M. Valdezco of the PNRI.
 
She added that through the proposed law, an authority will be able to analyze and improve recent developments in nuclear safety, radiation risk management, environmental protection, nuclear security, and issues concerning non-proliferation.
 
Countries all over the world are constantly looking for sources of energy. Nuclear energy was discovered in the early 1900s. Nuclear energy was used for military purposes in World War II. But physicists saw the potential of nuclear energy beyond military purposes.
 
Nuclear energy is clean and safe due to new technologies. However, it is not renewable, as it depends on nuclear fuel, which is found beneath earth soil.
 
According to Valdezco, the building of new power plants around the world was stopped in the middle of the 1980s. However, due to the increasing demand for energy, 30 to 40 countries are now showing interest in reintroducing nuclear power.
 
Valdezco explained that people now see the need for nuclear power because indigenous energy resources are not sufficient anymore. Also, there is a desire to produce own energy in order to reduce dependence on imported power. Nuclear energy does not emit carbon, which makes it environment-friendly.
 
“There are a number of priorities to be considered in launching a nuclear power program,” said Valdezco.
 
“The program must ensure protection. Nuclear energy must be used safely, securely, and with minimal proliferation risk. Technological and institutional improvements must be done to meet highest standards. The needs of developing countries must be analyzed and evaluated in an effective and systematic manner,” related Valdezco.