Amid the growing demand for electricity and environmental concerns, the government is studying how to expand energy sources to maintain energy security.
One of the potential sources being considered is nuclear energy, known for being low-carbon and reliable.
Recently, the government announced that it will study the possible reopening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
With the help of international experts, the government is also exploring the establishment of a modern Nuclear Energy Program (NEP).
Under Executive Order No. 164, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte on February 28, 2022, the country adopted a national position to consider nuclear power as one of its energy sources.
This order paved the way for the creation of the NEP-Inter-Agency Committee (IAC), led by the Department of Energy, to implement the program according to international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations' nuclear regulator.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues Duterte's plan to promote strategies for building nuclear power plants to meet the country's growing energy needs and reduce carbon emissions.
Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to have 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032, with an additional 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has announced its support for the government's initiatives to study the possible operation of nuclear power plants in the country.
At the same time, Meralco is working to deepen its knowledge of nuclear energy by collaborating with experts to strengthen the power supply and achieve long-term energy security.
Currently, Meralco is conducting a feasibility study in partnership with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., a US-based firm, for the potential deployment of one or more micro-modular reactor (MMR) energy systems in the country.
In addition, Meralco is promoting initiatives that include knowledge exchange, capacity building, and formal education in nuclear engineering.
This year, the power distributor will send scholars to nuclear engineering institutions in the United States and China.
New Collaborations
To lead the development of nuclear energy in the private sector, Meralco has partnered with Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd., and Samsung C&T Corporation Engineering & Construction Group.
The power distributor signed separate agreements with the two companies during The Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Manila, which was part of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit.
According to MERALCO Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco pledges full support to the government's efforts to achieve energy security and economic transformation.
He added that collaborating with reputable institutions like Doosan and Samsung aligns with the company's goal of providing innovative solutions to ensure the country has enough, affordable, and reliable electricity.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Meralco and Doosan focuses on several key initiatives, including the possible deployment of nuclear power facilities in the country, such as the rehabilitation of the BNPP and the use of small modular reactors (SMRs).
Doosan Enerbility Vice Chairman Yeonin Jung emphasized the importance of this partnership in promoting energy innovation and sustainability in the Philippines.
The collaboration will contribute to the modernization of the country's energy infrastructure and help ensure a stable, long-term supply of clean and reliable power.
Meanwhile, the MOU between Meralco and Samsung C&T seeks to promote the use of nuclear energy by sharing technical design and capabilities related to nuclear technology.
The partnership will also explore the current regulations, energy landscape, and necessary grid infrastructure.
It will look into the possibility of pilot demonstration projects and other opportunities for developing nuclear power plants.
Through this agreement, Meralco aims to gain a deep understanding of the critical aspects of nuclear energy expansion to ensure that future decisions are informed and based on the best studies, according to Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho.
Samsung C&T, known as an international construction company with extensive expertise in nuclear energy, plans to share its knowledge in constructing large nuclear power plant projects and SMR projects in the Philippines.
Meralco initiatives strengthen the shared goal of the Philippines and South Korea to achieve sustainable development and energy security.
As the country's largest power distributor and a major player in the energy sector, Meralco is leading the private sector in promoting nuclear energy in the country.
This effort could help address the growing energy demands and challenges faced by the industry.
#Meralco #NuclearEnergy #OpinYon #OpinYonNews #WeTakeAStand