EO 164 (s. 2022): Adopting National Position for a Nuclear Energy Program
Full title: Adopting a National Position for a Nuclear Energy Program, and for Other Purposes
Signed: February 28, 2022 | President: Rodrigo Roa Duterte
Builds on: EO 116 (s. 2020) — EO 164 does not supersede EO 116. §4 directs “the NEP-IAC established under EO No. 116” to perform additional functions, and the only repeal clause (§8) is a generic inconsistency-repeal, not a specific supersession [EO 164, s. 2022, §4 and §8, 2022-02-28].
This EO adopts the formal National Position on Nuclear Energy, marking the Philippines’ pivot from study to national commitment. The NEP-IAC’s prefeasibility study — completed pursuant to EO 116 — recommended adoption, following public consultations and a 2019 Public Perception Survey showing approximately 79% of Filipinos approved possible nuclear plant use or rehabilitation [EO 164, s. 2022, WHEREAS ¶7–8, 2022-02-28].
Background
The PEP 2018-2040 supported a technology-neutral approach including nuclear; the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 recognized the balance between energy tariffs, reliability, and environmental soundness [EO 164, s. 2022, WHEREAS ¶3–4, 2022-02-28].
National Position (§1)
Four-pillar framework [EO 164, s. 2022, §1, 2022-02-28]:
| Pillar | Content |
|---|---|
| Economic | Nuclear as viable alternative baseload; addresses projected coal phase-down; 68 GW additional capacity needed by 2040 |
| Political | Nuclear as viable bridge between rising demand and supply; committed to highest safety, security, and safeguards standards (IAEA) |
| Social | Long-term human capital development and job creation; contribution to AmBisyon Natin 2040 |
| Environmental | Nuclear’s lifecycle GHG emissions comparable to best RE chains; strong decarbonization potential |
Guiding Principles (§2)
- National Policy Development
- Energy Analysis and Planning — demand growth of 4.4%/year; 68 GW additional capacity needed by 2040
- Prefeasibility Study — completed; updates to continue
- Stakeholder Engagement
[EO 164, s. 2022, §2, 2022-02-28]
Expanded NEP-IAC Functions (§4)
- Ensure comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for nuclear energy
- Evaluate and expedite the National Strategy Roadmap and Timeline
- Assess nuclear power infrastructure using IAEA Milestone Approach (19 issues, 4 cornerstones)
- Implement Strategic Communications Plan
- Liaise with IAEA on Integrated Work Plan
[EO 164, s. 2022, §4, 2022-02-28]
Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (§5)
NEP-IAC directed to collate existing audits and recommendations, conduct further studies, and make recommendations on use and viability of the BNPP and establishment of other nuclear facilities. No rehabilitation commitment — study phase continues [EO 164, s. 2022, §5, 2022-02-28].
DOE Integration (§6)
DOE to develop and implement the Nuclear Energy Program as part of the Philippine Energy Plan [EO 164, s. 2022, §6, 2022-02-28].
Policy Notes
- This EO is the formal pivot from “study” to “national commitment” — it adopts the National Position that EO 116 directed the NEP-IAC to develop
- The 68 GW additional capacity figure by 2040 and 4.4%/year demand growth rate are key energy planning numbers cited in the national position
- BNPP remains unresolved — the EO directs further study rather than deciding rehabilitation or abandonment
Subsequent Developments
- RA 12305 (Philippine Nuclear Energy Safety Act, September 2025) — created PhilATOM as independent nuclear regulator, restructured oversight; NEPIO remains under DOE
- See Nuclear Energy Program (Philippines) for the full policy narrative from EO 116 through RA 12305 and nuclear deployment scenarios in PEP 2023-2050
Full text: Cleaned copy