Philippines Mulls Converting Bataan Nuclear Power Plant into LNG Terminal

Philippines is looking at converting the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) into its main LNG receiving terminal, energy secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

The 30-year old BNPP is being maintained by government at an annual cost of P40 million, which would need a review to determine if “it is still relevant” to do so, Philippines Star quoted Cusi as saying on Monday.

“One of the projects that we will be undertaking is to put up an LNG receiving and distribution centre… and that could be in Bataan. It could be converted,” he said, adding that the proposal requires a detailed study and discussion with World Bank is on.

He said nuclear energy as power resource could be an option for the country’s power woes but not through the Bataan nuclear facility.

The proposal to convert the BNPP facility was a proposal made before in light of the depletion of the Malampaya deepwater gas-to-power project by 2022 or 2024, Philippines Star added.