Greenpeace Philippines has strongly condemned the agreement between Valar Atomics Inc. and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to build a 100-kilowatt (kW) nuclear reactor in the country. The environmental group criticized the deal as reckless, arguing that nuclear power remains the most dangerous and expensive form of electricity generation.
“Valar Atomics and PNRI are playing with fire at the expense of the safety of Filipinos,” said Greenpeace Campaigner Khevin Yu. “The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) must put a stop to this foolish agreement that prioritizes the interests of US companies over the health and welfare of Filipinos.”
Valar Atomics, a start-up founded in 2023, aims to deploy hundreds of micro nuclear reactors worldwide, with the Philippines as a testing ground. Greenpeace has raised concerns over the risks of this initiative, emphasizing that small modular reactors (SMRs) are still unproven, and no fully operational plants currently exist. The group also pointed out that the Philippines lacks a clear regulatory framework for nuclear energy, adding further uncertainty to the project.
“The micro reactors Valar Atomics proposed remain untested and exist solely on paper. This agreement effectively sets up our people as guinea pigs for unproven and inherently risky technology,” Yu added. “PNRI is plunging into a perilous deal with its eyes wide open and dragging Filipino people—already burdened by climate impacts and rising costs of living—into an uncertain future with dangerous and costly electricity.”
Environmental activists protest against nuclear energy, advocating for renewable solutions.
According to reports, the agreement between Valar Atomics and PNRI involves constructing a 100-kW reactor that will cost tens of millions of dollars. In comparison, a recently built 116-megawatt solar farm in Pampanga was completed in just one year and cost less than $48 million.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has outlined plans to integrate nuclear energy into the country’s power mix by 2032, with an initial 1,200-megawatt capacity. The government aims to increase this to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. However, Greenpeace remains skeptical, citing the nuclear industry’s history of long construction delays, excessive costs, and safety concerns. The organization also emphasized that no small modular reactors have become commercially viable.
“Instead of locking us into this perilous course, the government should cancel the 123 Agreement with the US, abandon all nuclear plans, and redirect resources toward a Just Energy Transition,” Yu stressed. “Renewable energy is already proven to be more reliable and affordable than fossil fuels in our country. It empowers towns, barangays, and communities to generate their own electricity without the attendant dangers and exorbitant costs of nuclear.”
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