The proposed nuclear power plant will make Pangasinan Town rich, says a businessman
The construction of a nuclear power plant in Labrador, Pangasinan could make the Municipality the richest town in the Philippines, said a local reporter.
“Can you imagine if not only 1,000 megawatts of nuclear (power) built in Labrador, but maybe 4,000 or 6,000 or 6,000 or 6,000 megawatts?
Mr. Cojuangco said this is possible because, for every 1,000 megawatts installed, the nuclear plant can produce enough power to supply labrador with an average of 2021 for a period of 200 years.
He added that such a facility could significantly reduce generation costs, leading to lower electricity prices that would help attract investment.
“I think that foreign investors and investors from other countries will return to Labrador to set up their businesses and industries, and it will enable us to create thousands of jobs needed to improve the lives of Labradorans,” said Mr. Cojuangco.
Last year, Mr. Cojuangco, a strong advocate of nuclear power, proposed the construction of a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Pangasinan.
The cost of the plant is estimated to be at least P225 billion and is likely to be built within a 120-hectare area.
In previous statements, the mother-in-law said that electricity from nuclear power could fall as low as P5 per Kilowatt hour or even be provided to residents of Labrador citizens under certain arrangements.
The Municipality has a population of 26,811 based on the 2020 census.
Mr Cojuangco also said that the income tax generated from the nuclear plant could help raise poverty, such as the nearby city of Sual, which saw income from hosting a 1,000 coal plant.
Labrador is currently the poorest municipality in Pangasinan, he said.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan expressed opposition to the proposed nuclear facility last weekend, pointing out that its proposed site is close to the East Zambal Line, making any nuclear project “an unacceptable risk.”
“Not in Pangasinan! Not anywhere else!” The bishops said in a statement. They also recalled the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which caused significant damage to life and the environment.
Mr. Cojuangco emphasized that the proposed plant will not be built above the fault line and will be built to withstand the maximum earthquake forces that the fault may not produce.
Amid opposition to nuclear power, he urged the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to promote a positive narrative about its benefits.
PNRI is the country’s basic research and technical agency for nuclear science and technology, responsible for conducting research, providing scientific expertise, and training personnel in the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
At that time, Atolic Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy Energy (Philatom) under the newly installed ra 12305, acts as an independent regulator, overseeing the licensing, inspection, and enforcement of the PNRI, with the PNRI providing technical guidance and support.
The law also includes measures such as the establishment of a national registry of radiation sources, stricter safety frameworks and penalties for unauthorized nuclear activities.
PNRI is leading this year’s atomic energy week from December 9 to 12, highlighting the importance of nuclear science and technology in the development of the entire country. One of the centerpieces is the open technology exhibition, which showcases the latest nuclear technology developed by Filipino scientists and researchers. – Edg Adrian A. EVA
