Gov. David M. Apatang wants the CNMI to continue exploring nuclear power as a possible solution to its aging power plants and high electricity costs.
Speaking during a press conference Thursday, Apatang said small modular nuclear reactors could eventually replace the Commonwealth's decades-old diesel-powered generators and reduce its dependence on imported fuel.
“I think one nuclear engine down there can power the whole island of Saipan,” Apatang said, adding that the technology could also be explored for Tinian and Rota.
The governor said he wants to visit a nuclear research facility in Idaho to learn more about the technology and its possible use in the Commonwealth.
He also expressed hope that the next administration would continue exploring nuclear energy as an alternative to the Commonwealth's existing power system.
“So we probably need to continue to do some research. And like I said, hopefully the next administration can pursue that so we can save more dollars, you know, for our people,” Apatang said.
The discussion followed a briefing on the CNMI delegation's participation in the Interagency Regional Convening in San Francisco last month, where officials discussed infrastructure needs with federal agencies.
Department of Public Works Energy Division director Lauren Garibay said small modular reactors attracted interest during discussions with federal officials.
Garibay said she plans to meet with the National Laboratory of the Rockies this month to explore possible funding for studies on whether the technology would work on Saipan, Tinian, or Rota.
She said geothermal energy is another alternative the CNMI should study as it looks for ways to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum.
Commonwealth Utilities Corp. executive director Kevin Watson also discussed small modular reactors as a possible alternative energy source.
Watson said the utility is completing a long-term master plan covering power, water, and wastewater systems that could guide infrastructure improvements over the next 10 to 20 years.
However, utility officials stressed that no location has been selected and technical studies would first be needed to determine whether nuclear power is feasible for the Commonwealth.
They said federal assistance would be needed to study the technology, including its costs, safety requirements, suitable locations, and compatibility with the CNMI's power system.
Apatang acknowledged that safety concerns would need to be addressed and said any possible location would have to be carefully studied.
The governor's comments reflected his support for further exploration, although no nuclear power plant has been approved or proposed for construction at a specific location.
Special Assistant to the Governor for the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs Edward C. Camacho also addressed whether the Department of War could help the CNMI Public School System repair facilities damaged by recent typhoons.
Camacho said direct assistance would be limited because the Commonwealth does not have enough military dependents to justify establishing Department of Defense-operated schools.
However, he said U.S. Navy Seabees are already helping repair public school facilities by providing skilled labor, while the Commonwealth supplies construction materials.
The issue of military ship waste disposal was also raised during the press conference.
Officials said visiting U.S. Navy vessels have encountered difficulties disposing of wet garbage on Saipan because of limited facilities and the need to arrange collection services in advance.
Apatang said better coordination is needed between the military and local agencies, particularly when ships plan to visit the Commonwealth.
He said the government cannot arrange the necessary services at short notice if officials are not informed of a ship's arrival.
“So we just need the coordination and no surprise,” Apatang said.
The governor said he regularly encourages military officials to have their ships visit Saipan so crews can patronize local businesses, but advance notice is necessary to ensure that port services are available.
The discussion also turned to a separate waste-disposal problem involving military activities on Tinian.
Department of Public Works Secretary Ray Yumul said the issue was raised during the San Francisco meetings because Tinian lacks an adequate, compliant facility to handle certain waste materials generated by military operations.
Yumul said military contractors have reportedly been flying some waste materials to Okinawa or other destinations for proper disposal, with transportation costs reaching as much as $15,000 per flight hour.
He said Saipan's Marpi Landfill could potentially accept certain waste materials, provided they meet applicable environmental requirements and receive approval from the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality.
However, Yumul acknowledged that the landfill has limited capacity and that an existing executive order restricting the importation of waste must also be considered.
He said discussions are continuing on how to address Tinian's disposal needs while protecting the environment and complying with local regulations.
The discussions highlighted the Commonwealth's need for reliable energy, improved school facilities, and adequate waste-management services as military activities continue to expand in the region.
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