Power distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and South Korea's Samsung C&T Corporation Engineering & Construction (Samsung C&T) Group are in advance talks to expedite the adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines in line with the government's thrust to achieve long-term energy security.
Meralco executive vice president and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho and Samsung C&T president for Global Operations Jungwook Kim signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the sidelines of The Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Manila during the recent state visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
"Through this MOU, Meralco stands to gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical aspects of nuclear energy development that will ensure that our future decisions are well-informed and aligned with international best practices. This aligns well with Meralco's continuous efforts to work with global knowledge and technology partners to help us transition towards more diversified and sustainable energy sources," Aperocho said.
Under the MOU, Meralco and Samsung C&T will share and discuss technical design and capabilities of nuclear technology, and the prevailing regulatory framework, energy landscape, and necessary grid infrastructure. The two companies will also explore the potential roll-out of a pilot demonstration project and other opportunities for nuclear power plant development.
Samsung C&T is engaged in the business and has expertise as an international construction company. It has strong nuclear energy know-how and unwavering commitment. With the execution of this MOU, Samsung C&T plans to actively engage in the construction of large nuclear power plants and Small Modular Reactor (SMR) projects in the Philippines.
The partnership comes as the Philippines and South Korea agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
"Our collaboration with Samsung C&T is a strategic move that cements our commitment to actively contribute to the Philippine government's efforts to integrate nuclear energy in 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," Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, for his part, said.
As the largest electric distribution utility in the Philippines and a major player in the energy industry, Meralco is leading the private sector's push to develop nuclear energy.
The company has since partnered with international institutions to explore the safe adoption of nuclear technologies in the country.
Equally crucial for Meralco is the development of the Philippines' technical and regulatory talent pipeline, which it actively pursues through initiatives on knowledge sharing, capability-building, and formal education in the highly specialized field of nuclear engineering.
This year, Meralco is sending Filipino scholars to nuclear engineering institutions in the United States and China.
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