Newer nuclear power technology makes sense

Days ago, the Department of Energy released the results of an SWS survey saying 79 percent of Filipinos would support nuclear power if President Rodrigo Duterte pushed for its development. This is a wise position to take because we should broaden our concept of acceptable carbon-free energy sources.

Before we explain our position, however, we strongly caution against the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. That mothballed facility was designed based on old technology. So much progress has been made since 1976, when construction began at the Bataan plant. Newer technology not only makes nuclear power plants more efficient but also much safer.