In an effort to expedite nuclear developments in the Philippines, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, is exploring a partnership with France for nuclear power plants.

Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer, told reporters that they recently met with the French government to discuss potential research collaboration for a 1,200-megawatt (MW) conventional power plant.

“We might enter into a feasibility study with the French government. This is not for smaller plants, but for larger conventional ones. This study will focus particularly on site selection,” he shared.

Meralco aims to move forward with this collaboration, highlighting France’s extensive expertise in nuclear technology.

“We just came from a series of meetings with the Électricité de France (EDF). They began building nuclear power plants in 1948, and nearly 75 percent of their energy mix derives from nuclear. Their construction processes are somewhat like ‘copy and paste,’” Aperocho elaborated.

He also noted that the Philippines has already established comprehensive solutions for waste disposal, reactor fabrication, and associated processes.

“We will depend heavily on legislation and the establishment of a regulatory body. In parallel, we are laying the groundwork and conducting studies so that when the law is enacted, we can start immediately,” he said.

“Building a nuclear power plant will take many years, and it requires a strategic timeline.”

Aperocho is hopeful that initial plans will progress within the next two to three months, with assigned personnel to work on the terms of the French partnership.

“We're assessing all available technologies. We previously signed an MOU for micro modular reactors and are looking for similar options for small modular reactors (SMRs), as well as the larger conventional plants.”

SMRs typically have a capacity of 300 MW or less, while conventional plants can exceed that capacity.

As they aim for larger-scale construction, Aperocho explained that conventional plants would serve as the next reliable base load supply, especially in light of the Philippine government's goals for the country's energy mix.

“We are no longer building new coal-fired power plants, so the option is to pursue nuclear energy. We’re just waiting for the necessary legislation, policies, and the establishment of a regulatory body. This would ultimately address our need for a reliable power supply.”

The Department of Energy (DOE) anticipates welcoming the first operational nuclear plants by 2032, potentially achieving 2,400 MW of the country’s nuclear capacity by 2035, with an increase to 4,800 MW by 2050.

Last week, the DOE hosted various international delegates, including representatives from the French government, to discuss nuclear energy solutions and strategies at the International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum 2024.

On its second day, France offered its expertise in providing training, research, capacity building, and technical assistance for energy transition, as well as support for evaluating potential sites for nuclear energy infrastructure.