PH-US nuclear energy deal to be used in peaceful agri, health projects – DOE

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla (seated, left) and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken sign on Friday, November 17, 2023 the agreement meant to ease investments in nuclear energy in the Philippines. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (behind) witnessed the event. (Photo from Malacañang Press Corps pool)

MANILA, Philippines — A new deal between Philippines and United States (US) signed on Friday is expected to harness nuclear energy for various peaceful ranges, according to Department of Energy (DOE).

DOE is referring to the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or the ‘123 Agreement.’

The department said the accord will enable nuclear energy cooperation between the two countries, which can be used in agriculture and health projects.

“Beyond nuclear power applications to combat climate change, the new Agreement facilitates cooperation in a wide array of other peaceful uses of atomic energy — all supportive of various Sustainable Development Goals,” said DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla.

Lotilla said the deal will be valuable in plant breeding, livestock production, insect pest control, soil and crop management, water use efficiency, plastic waste disposal, food safety, health and medicine.

The energy secretary served as the signatory for Philippines, while US Department of State Secretary Antony Blinken signed on behalf of US.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. witnessed the event in San Francisco, California, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear materials, equipment and components directly between Philippines and US.

This accord will introduce potential nuclear power projects with US suppliers.

Negotiations on the agreement took seven months.

The talks included Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and Department of Justice.