As more data centers locate in the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) will issue a data center energization policy by March to assure investors of stable power supply.

Interviewed on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum in Makati City on Tuesday, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the planned policy will underscore the need for clean and reliable energy.

“There are existing ways, pero para clear lang sa ating (but we’ll issue a policy so that it will be clear to) possible investors. We’ll work with the DICT (Department of Information and Commission Technology) on that,” she said.

During a panel discussion, Garin said the government is pushing for nuclear energy to boost capacity for data centers, noting that it provides 24-hour capacity unlike other renewable energy sources.

“Yes, I think there is appetite not just from international but domestic investors to be the first one to build it. Some more things have to be finished, like our regulations, our regulatory commissions and all that. I think it won’t happen during this administration but my ambition is, at the very least, we could give a license to them in this administration,” she said.

The DOE also announced it has finalized a licensing roadmap for nuclear power projects with other stakeholders and aims to begin issuing licenses to proponents this year.

The move supports the goal of increasing renewable energy’s share in the country’s power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

Garin said nuclear power is a reliable electricity source for data centers because it provides steady baseload and economies of scale for other consumers.

“If we want cheaper electricity, steady electricity, I think nuclear is one of our best solutions,” she said. (PNA)