Meralco Partners with US Firms for Small Modular Reactor Feasibility Study

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), a subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has initiated a feasibility study to assess the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines. This initiative is backed by a $2.8 million technical assistance program funded by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), as reported by BusinessWorld.

The study will be conducted in collaboration with US engineering firm Sargent & Lundy and AMH Philippines, Inc. MGEN has established a dedicated working group within its One Meralco framework to oversee this effort. The study aims to explore safe, reliable, and low-carbon technologies, as MGEN seeks to secure the Philippines’ long-term energy future and bolster economic growth, according to MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio.

“MGEN remains committed to exploring safe, reliable, and low-carbon technologies such as SMRs as we work to secure the Philippines’ long-term energy future and support the country’s economic growth.”Emmanuel V. Rubio, President and CEO, MGEN

Sargent & Lundy will lead a vendor-neutral program focusing on SMR technologies, adhering to standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and international best practices. The comprehensive study will encompass technology assessment, site selection, grid integration, financial planning, and stakeholder capacity building through workshops.

Felino M. Bernardo, MGEN's Head of Strategic Energy Transition, stated that the study aims to enhance the technical capacity of key stakeholders, including MGEN, the Department of Energy (DoE), and the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority. He mentioned that the frameworks and tools developed during this study will support decision-making processes long after its completion.

“The study goes beyond identifying suitable technologies and potential sites. It will also build the technical capacity and decision-making frameworks that can support MGEN and our national stakeholders well beyond the completion of the study.”Felino M. Bernardo, Head of Strategic Energy Transition, MGEN

The study is projected to conclude by the fourth quarter of 2027. This initiative aligns with the Philippine government's strategy to incorporate nuclear energy into the national power mix, which aims to achieve a nuclear power generation capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW) by 2032 and an additional 1,400 MW by 2038.

Meralco has previously partnered with various international entities such as Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Korea Electric Power Corp., and Électricité de France to explore nuclear technology deployment, reflecting a growing interest in diversifying the country's energy sources. The Philippines has been increasingly considering nuclear energy as a viable option to enhance energy security, as noted in earlier reports by InsideASEAN.