US-Phil nuke cooperation deal comes into force

By Komfie Manalo

The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday that the United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, or the 123 Agreement, entered into force on July 2. The agreement allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the U.S. to the Philippines.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the 123 Agreement in California in November last year, establishing the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with U.S. providers and aiming to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.

"Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together, our two countries can significantly contribute to our shared clean energy goals," the U.S. Department of State said.

Upon entry into force, the 123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the U.S. or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with U.S. providers.

It will also streamline the licensing requirements for the private sector regarding investments in nuclear-related intangible technology transfers.

Nuclear energy, it said, could help achieve these global climate change and energy security targets.

The U.S. Department of State said the agreement is part of its efforts to develop the Philippines' civil nuclear sector.

"Creating a safe, secure, modern sector requires a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships. Our government is committed to working with the Philippines to advance each of these areas, and we look forward to further building our partnership with them," the U.S. Department of State said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the administration would be glad to pursue nuclear energy as part of the country's energy mix by 2032 through the partnership forged with American providers.

His administration seeks to increase the country's renewable energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

In her speech at the 16th U.S. Embassy Media Seminar in Iloilo on Monday, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson assured that the U.S. is fully committed to supporting the country's energy and climate goals.

Carlson said one concrete example of the U.S.' commitment is the signing of the civil nuclear cooperation agreement.

"As an ally and a partner, the U.S. government is fully committed to supporting the Philippines in fulfilling that vision," Carlson said.