In celebration of Earth Day, Alpas Pinas, a non-profit organization that advocates for the use of nuclear energy as a clean source of energy, together with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), recently held an event entitled “Love the Earth, Go for Nuclear Energy, the Green Energy Event”. The event aimed to educate the public about the environmental and practical benefits of nuclear energy.
The organization believes that nuclear energy is not just a theory but a reality that the country must explore if it is to address the prevailing requirements of its energy needs. Alpas Pinas promotes nuclear energy as a cheap, green, and reliable alternative to conventional coal-fired plants. If the Philippines were to harness nuclear energy, it could reduce the cost of electricity and spur economic development. Nuclear energy will also mean a greener planet as this eliminates carbon emissions commonly associated with conventional coal-fired plants.
Moreover, aside from the commercial and practical applications of nuclear energy, harnessing it is also good for business as cheaper electricity spurs manufacturing activity that, in turn, creates more jobs, stimulating economic activity. Nuclear energy also has practical applications in the fields of manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine.
“It is worth noting that after 34 years, the Philippines has, once more, a working nuclear research reactor. This facility is projected to open the whole scientific field of reactor physics and engineering for Filipinos; on its way for the Philippines to achieving nuclear power sustainability,” said Dr. Carlo Arcilla, director, FNRI.
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), an agency under the Department of Science and Technology, is mandated to undertake research and development activities in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Aside from this, it is also tasked with developing nuclear energy as a viable solution to the high cost of power, a greener source of energy, and as practical applications in the fields of manufacturing, agriculture, and medicine.
As we bring the celebration of Earth Day to a close, the mission of Alpas Pinas remains to educate the public of the environmental and practical benefits of nuclear energy. The organization believes that nuclear energy will positively impact the lives of Filipinos because it will mean lower electricity rates that will allow for more savings.