The enforcement of the Philippines and United States’ civil nuclear cooperation agreement has sparked concerns from Greenpeace Philippines.

“The 123 Agreement is not for the best interest of the Philippines as it seeks to introduce both traditional nuclear energy technology as well as Small Modular Reactors (SMR) that will pose risks and dangers to Filipinos,” Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Khevin Yu said.

The civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which took effect on July 2, will allow the US to export nuclear material, equipment, and components here in the Philippines. 

“This nuclear deal, if sanctioned, will only be highly favorable to the U.S. government and the American companies that have tried but failed to sell SMRs in other parts of the world due to their untested technologies and exorbitant costs,” Yu stressed.

Greenpeace also highlighted the risks and costs associated with nuclear energy.

“Nuclear is still the most dangerous source of energy. Nuclear disasters are realities that are intrinsically linked to any form of nuclear energy technology. This agreement will put Filipinos in harm’s way for the sake of generating electricity from nuclear energy,” said Yu.

The organization said the Philippines does not need the 123 Agreement as it pushed for renewable energy sources instead.

“The Philippines can be energy independent with renewable energy. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are domestically available and should be the priority of the government. Solar rooftop utilization alone can provide 91 Gigawatts of reliable energy according to a 2024 Climate Analytics study. The Philippines would just be getting the short end of the stick if the government pursues this dangerous collaboration. They must repeal this unfavorable deal for the sake of Filipinos,” said Yu.

The Philippines and the U.S. signed the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or the 123 Agreement on November 16, 2023 in San Francisco, California.

Greenpeace