Putting up a nuclear power plant in Negros Occidental will take a long process and require a thorough technical study, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said yesterday.

But nuclear energy is already being used in Japan, the United States, Europe, and China. Even the Middle East countries that are overflowing with oil are now adopting it because it is the cheapest, cleanest and most reliable source of power, he said.

The governor was reacting to the statement of presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda that President Benigo Aquino is not thinking of using nuclear energy to address the country's power shortage.

Former Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco in Bacolod Monday called for the establishment of nuclear power plants in the country, including Negros Occidental, which Marañon said he supports.

There are many differing opinions on establishing nuclear power plants in the country that would need highly technical studies, the governor said.

“Determining whether a nuclear power plant can be built in Negros Occidental would take a long process, as we would have to determine who will finance it and a safe location for it to be built,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy has given the province the go-ahead for hydro electric power plants Sagay and Mambukal, Murcia, the governor said.*CPG

back to top