Greenpeace Statement on PH-US civil nuclear deal: No need for nuclear, PH can be energy independent with RE

The Philippines and United States’ civil nuclear cooperation agreement is now enforced, which will allow the US to export nuclear material, equipment, and components here in the Philippines. Reacting to the PH-US civil nuclear deal, Greenpeace Philippines campaigner, Khevin Yu said:

“The 123 Agreement is not for the best interest of the Philippines as it seeks to introduce both traditional nuclear energy technology as well as Small Modular Reactors (SMR) that will pose risks and dangers to Filipinos. This nuclear deal, if sanctioned, will only be highly favorable to the U.S. government and the American companies that have tried but failed to sell SMRs in other parts of the world due to their untested technologies and exorbitant costs.

“Nuclear is still the most dangerous source of energy. Nuclear disasters are realities that are intrinsically linked to any form of nuclear energy technology. This agreement will put Filipinos in harm’s way for the sake of generating electricity from nuclear energy.

“There is no need for the 123 Agreement. The Philippines can be energy independent with renewable energy. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are domestically available and should be the priority of the government. Solar rooftop utilization alone can provide  91 Gigawatts of reliable energy according to a 2024 Climate Analytics study. The Philippines would  just be getting the short end of the stick if the government pursues this dangerous collaboration. They must repeal this unfavorable deal for the sake of Filipinos.”