The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and South Korea’s Samsung C&T Corporation Engineering & Construction (Samsung C&T) Group have joined forces to promote the adoption of nuclear energy in the country.
In a statement, Meralco said that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsung C&T aims to explore potential collaborations on technical design, regulatory frameworks, and grid infrastructure for nuclear power plants.
They will also explore a pilot demonstration project and other opportunities for nuclear energy development.
Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Jungwook Kim, Samsung C&T’s President for Global Operations, led the ceremonial signing of the MOU.
Aperocho said they hope that the partnership would lead to a comprehensive understanding of nuclear energy developments.
“This aligns well with Meralco’s continuous efforts to work with global knowledge and technology partners to help us in our transition towards more diversified and sustainable energy sources,” Aperocho stated.
According to Meralco, Samsung C&T was chosen for its expertise as an international construction company with a strong commitment to nuclear energy, which will involve active engagement in large nuclear power plants and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects in the Philippines.
Previously, the Philippines and South Korea announced their collaboration to conduct a feasibility study aimed at reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco's Chairman and COO, stated that this partnership would help integrate nuclear energy into the country's future power supply mix.
“As we collectively work on the safe and secure adoption of this next-generation technology, we remain focused on our ultimate goal of ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the Philippines,” he said.
In addition to this partnership, Meralco is sending Filipino scholars to nuclear engineering institutions in the United States and China. The company has also signed another agreement with South Korean firm Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd. for low-carbon energy projects in the Philippines.