The Philippines and the United States, together with private sector partners, have signed three memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to support the development of the country’s nuclear energy programme. This initiative aligns with the Philippines’ broader energy transition targets, which aim to increase the share of renewable energy to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
One of the agreements, signed between the US Trade and Development Agency and Meralco, provides USD 2.7 million in funding for a feasibility study on US-designed small modular reactors (SMRs). The study is set to commence this year and will run for approximately 12 to 18 months. Meralco is currently evaluating the potential deployment of 150-megawatt SMRs, with a target timeline of 2035.
The two remaining MOUs focus on workforce development, aiming to establish vocational and higher education programmes to support the emerging civil nuclear industry. These initiatives involve collaboration with the Philippine-American Educational Foundation, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Aboitiz Power.
US officials highlighted that the partnership is being advanced under the FIRST (Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology) Programme, underscoring long-term cooperation in energy development and strategic alignment between the two countries. Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin noted that relevant government agencies are preparing to process investor applications once the regulatory guidelines for nuclear energy are finalised.
Source: Philippine News Agency
