Duterte approves revival of nuclear power to help Philippines replace coal

The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) is seen during a media tour around the BNPP compound in Morong town, Bataan province, Philippines in this file photo from Sept 16, 2016. - Reuters

MANILA (Reuters): Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has signed an executive order to include nuclear power in the country's energy mix, as authorities prepare for the phasing out of coal-fired power plants and after earlier efforts failed due to safety concerns.

The Feb 28 order, made public on Thursday (March 3) could be a major milestone for an economy which suffers seasonal power outages and high electricity prices but will concern opponents of the move.