Philippines officials to convert dormant nuclear power plant into data center

Philippines officials  are making plans to convert Bataan Nuclear Power Plant [BNPP], the country's only nuclear power station into a data centre. Construction began on the plant in 1976 and was completed in the mid-1980s despite delays and ballooning costs. However, it was never fuelled or activated. 
 

"In our meeting with the representatives of [the] Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) last September 2, we presented the planned structure and design for the conversion of Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) to a Data Center," Garcia said on Facebook this week. "We expect that this step will be the pathway to successful implementation of the project, which is expected to bring significant benefits to the technology and communications sector in the country."

Despite laying dormant for decades, some within the country would like to explore activating the power station. Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. recently filed a bill – House Bill No. 2921 or the Philippine Nuclear Act of 2022 – asking the government to explore the viability of using the power station to meet the country’s energy needs.