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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez: Twin nuclear deals between PH, US a game changer 

Romualdez: Twin nuclear deals between PH, US a game changer 

Published Nov 16, 2023 04:56 am

At A Glance

  • House Speaker Martin Romualdez vews the twin nuclear agreements sealed during President Marcos' ongoing visit to the United States (US) as a game changer for the Philippines. 

IMG-5a47b8ae762e74f253d3dd8556b60574-V.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

A game changer for the Philippines' energy landscape.

That's how House Speaker Martin Romualdez described the twin nuclear agreements sealed during President Marcos' ongoing visit to the United States (US).

Romuladez is accompanying Marcos in the stateside trip, the main highlight of which is the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.

The President had witnessed the signing of a groundbreaking cooperative agreement between Philippine power distribution giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) to pave the way for the deployment of Micro-Modular Reactors (MMRs) in the Philippines.

"The partnership between Meralco and USNC is a game-changer for the Philippines' energy landscape. Micro-Modular Reactors represent a paradigm shift in delivering cheap, safe, reliable, and scalable nuclear energy,” Romualdez said.

“This initiative aligns with our President Marcos, Jr.’s commitment to diversify our energy sources to fuel economic growth and at the same time address the challenges of climate change," added the Leyte 1st district congressman and leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.

In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July, Marcos said it was time to re-examine nuclear energy to attract more investors and ensure enough power supply. He noted that cheap and reliable energy was a vital requirement for economic growth.

The cooperative agreement between Meralco and USNC will facilitate a comprehensive Pre-Feasibility Study to assess the potential for deploying MMRs in the Philippines.

Scheduled for completion by the end of the second quarter of 2024, the study will evaluate environmental and social impacts, capital expenditure, and operational costs.

Meanwhile, the House Speake said that the parallel landmark 123 Nuclear Agreement between the Philippines and the US marks a significant milestone in fostering a strategic partnership to enhance the Philippines' energy capabilities.

The “123 Agreement” will provide the legal basis for civil nuclear energy cooperation and allow the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.

Romualdez expressed gratitude to all parties involved in these historic agreements, acknowledging the joint efforts of the Philippine and US governments, Meralco, and USNC.

"Today marks a significant leap forward in our journey towards a sustainable and resilient energy future. These agreements are a testament to our shared commitment to advancing technology and fostering collaborations for the greater good of our nation and the global community," he stated.

Related Tags

Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Manila Electric Company (Meralco) Martin Romualdez Nuclear power
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