Anti BNPP group questions Napocor move to go nuke Jul 23, 2010 “The DOE (Department of Energy) and the National Power Corp. (Napocor) should be looking at resolving our power problems through renewable and sustainable sources rather than going nuclear which remains a problematic alternative.” This, according to the anti-Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) coalition, Nuclear-Free Bataan Movement Network or NFBM-Net, following news that the Napocor is training a ‘small group of Filipinos for the possible use of nuclear energy. The group also criticized DOE Secretary Rene Almendras’ statement that the “current administration is serious in opening the BNPP” to remedy the worsening power crisis. According to NFBM.Net, the government should not even consider reopening the BNPP as it sits on Mt. Natib, a dormant volcano. The BNPP was built near a fault line, which violates the International Atomic Energy Agency protocols. The IAEA is the international agency that monitors and approves the operation of nuclear plants worldwide and is attached to the United Nations. The group chided the DOE for even considering nuclear energy as an alternative to the power crisis knowing that we will only be exchanging fossil-fuel dependency to importing uranium, the cost of which would be expected to skyrocket given the increased demand for nuclear energy. For example, the price of uranium from May 2005 increased by more than 400% from $26/lb to S138/lb by 2008. Monsignor Tony Dumaual, chairperson of NFBM Net, said nuclear energy has many disadvantages, such as how to dispose the waste from the nuclear reactors of a minimum of 30 tons of radioactive waste; the limited life span of plants as well as the huge cost of building, maintaining and decommissioning the plant once it has exceeded its life span. “Once the plant operates, citizens will be bombarded by radiation which has proven to cause cancer, brain damage, developmental defects and even death,” added Dumaual. Atty. Dante Ilaya said that even the DOE data cites that there are still many untapped sources for alternative energy such as solar, 1,200 MW of geothermal potential 7,400 MW of wind potential and hydropower. “We urge P.NOY not to be pressured by businesses eyeing the opening of the BNPP or the revival of the country’s nuclear program as a means to earn more profit, it would our people who will end up paying dearly for it,” Dumaual said. Print Article Email this articleOther Articles on this Category
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June 16, 2009 Labang Walang Atrasan Sa Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, nakasalang ang kaligtasan at kapakanan ng ating mga minamahal sa buhay at mga susunod na salinlahi.
ISSUES: Human rights defenders; torture victims; torture; right to liberty and security; arbitrary arrest and detention --------------------------------------------------------------------- A. Ripe for Railroading May 28, 2009 |
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