The Bataan nuclear power plant, located in the Philippines, is a topic that has been discussed for over three decades. The facility was built in the mid-1970s, but due to some reasons, it never saw a single watt of electricity flow from its reactors. The current administration, led by President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., is seriously considering the idea of finally activating the facility, but many remain skeptical.

Congressman Mark Cojuangco, who has been pushing for the plant’s reopening for over a decade, took a group of reporters on a tour inside the building. The reactor’s containment structure is lined with 30 mm of thick welded steel, and its walls are made of 1.5 m of thick concrete, making it one of the most robust facilities in the world. Cojuangco is confident in the quality of the plant’s infrastructure, but the question remains: can a 38-year-old nuclear power plant be started up after never being used? President Marcos Jr. sees the plant as unfinished business from his father’s administration and is exploring the possibility of reactivating the facility. The need for sustainable energy sources is more pressing than ever, and some argue that the Bataan nuclear power plant could be a valuable source of clean energy for a country in need. However, others see it as an unnecessary risk, given the potential dangers of nuclear power.

The decision to activate the plant ultimately rests with the current administration, and it will require careful consideration of both the plant’s infrastructure and the potential risks and benefits of nuclear power. As the world continues to seek out sustainable energy sources, the future of the Bataan nuclear power plant will likely remain a topic of discussion for years to come.