ADB energy policy review sparks protest over proposed nuclear financing
Civil society groups staged a protest as the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board convened to review its 2025 Energy Policy, criticizing a proposed policy shift to finance nuclear power. The coalition, led by the Nuclear Free Bataan Movement (NFBM), argued the change threatens developing nations with massive debt and radioactive hazards.
Joining NFBM were Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KILUSAN), KAISA KA, PANGISDA PILIPINAS, Youth for Nationalism and Democracy, YoungBEAN, and STEPGEN.
ADB nuclear proposal labeled dangerous and regressive
The ADB’s 2021 Energy Policy prohibited nuclear investments due to safety risks, seismic hazards, and financial burdens on member countries. The current review proposes reversing this ban, calling nuclear power a “viable decarbonization pathway.”
“This push for nuclear energy is a leap in the wrong direction—back into debt and danger,” said Derek Cabe, Coordinator of NFBM. “The ghost of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant reminds us that safety is not a technicality; it’s a necessity.”
Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as cautionary example
The coalition highlighted the Philippines’ BNPP, a $2.3 billion project that never produced electricity and sits on a geologically unstable site near a volcano and fault line. Cabe warned that repeating such mistakes would endanger communities while failing to address climate goals.
The energy policy review also promotes co-firing with biofuels, hydrogen, and ammonia, expanded fossil gas infrastructure, and unproven carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). The coalition says these measures divert investments from genuine renewable solutions. They also criticized the opaque review process and lack of meaningful civil society engagement.
Coalition calls for just and safe energy future
Groups demand that the ADB:
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Uphold the ban on nuclear financing.
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Reject false solutions like CCUS and co-firing.
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Phase out fossil fuels in line with the 1.5°C climate target.
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Ensure transparent civil society participation.
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Empower communities through decentralized renewable energy investments.
“Our future must be nuclear-free, fossil-free, and centered on the people,” Cabe concluded. “The ADB must stop this nuclear push and build a just energy future now.”
