VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines can turn its nuclear energy ambitions into viable power projects with the right technologies, regulatory safeguards, and strategic partnerships, as the country prepares to introduce nuclear power into its energy mix to meet growing electricity demand, according to nuclear and energy experts.
The assessment comes as the government targets 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050 under the Philippine Energy Plan.
At a media roundtable on nuclear energy development in the Philippines, experts said advances in reactor technology, including small modular reactors (SMRs), could provide additional options for supplying reliable electricity to industrial estates, data centers, and other energy-intensive sectors.
Unlike conventional large-scale nuclear facilities, SMRs generally have smaller generation capacities and are designed for modular construction. Depending on the technology and project requirements, they could allow developers to introduce generation capacity incrementally, potentially serving industries that require continuous electricity without placing additional demand on existing power generation.
Aaron Green, President and CEO of U.S.-based EōS Organization, said the country should evaluate nuclear technologies based on the electricity requirements of prospective users and the cost at which power can be delivered.
“The Philippines needs reliable electricity at a cost that allows its industries to grow. We should begin by understanding where the demand is, how much power is required, and what consumers can afford. From there, we can identify the nuclear technology that makes the most sense for the project,” Green said.
EōS is exploring opportunities to connect the Philippines with international SMR technology providers and support potential projects through partnerships with local stakeholders.
The Philippine power industry has also begun undertaking detailed assessments of SMR technologies and their potential applications.
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), through its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, is conducting a comprehensive SMR feasibility study supported by a $2.8-million grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency[1].
The study, undertaken by U.S.-based Sargent & Lundy[2] and local engineering firm AMH Philippines, will assess potential reactor technologies and sites, grid integration requirements, and financial and commercial considerations. It is targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027[3].
Felino Bernardo, Head of Strategic Energy Transition at MGEN, said decisions on nuclear power development must account for the technical and commercial realities of the Philippine electricity market.
“Nuclear energy offers opportunities to strengthen the country’s long-term power supply, but we need to establish which technologies are suitable, where they can be deployed, and how they will integrate with our electricity system. Comprehensive technical and financial assessments are essential to determining whether these projects can be developed safely and at a commercially viable cost,” Bernardo said.
Beyond commercial feasibility, nuclear energy development will require rigorous safety assessments, particularly in identifying suitable locations for nuclear facilities in a country exposed to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and other natural hazards.
Dr. Carlo Arcilla, former Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), said nuclear power could provide a dependable source of electricity to complement renewable energy, provided projects meet established safety and regulatory standards.
“Nuclear energy can provide reliable electricity regardless of weather conditions. The technology has been used around the world for decades, and advances in reactor design have strengthened safety systems. For the Philippines, the priority is to select appropriate technologies and locations, conduct rigorous scientific assessments, and ensure effective regulatory oversight,” Arcilla said.
The Philippines has begun strengthening its nuclear regulatory framework through Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, enacted in September 2025. The law established the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) as an independent body responsible for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards.
The Department of Energy is also advancing a competitive procurement framework for the country’s first nuclear generation capacity, including proposed requirements covering project development, regulatory approvals, grid readiness, and electricity pricing.
As the Philippines moves toward its 2032 nuclear target, the experts emphasized the need to align technology selection with actual electricity requirements while building the regulatory and commercial capabilities necessary to safely develop and operate nuclear facilities.
[1] Meralco PowerGen Corporation. (2026, February 19). One Meralco advances nuclear energy push with $2.8M USTDA grant. https://www.meralcopowergen.com.ph/one-meralco-advances-nuclear-energy-push-with-2-8m-ustda-grant/
[2] Meralco PowerGen Corporation. (2026, September 1). Meralco, MGEN tap Sargent & Lundy for comprehensive SMR feasibility study. https://meralcopowergen.com.ph/meralco-mgen-tap-sargent-lundy-for-comprehensive-smr-feasibility-study/
[3] U.S. Trade and Development Agency. (2026, February 16). USTDA brings U.S. small modular reactor technology to strengthen Philippines energy security. https://ustda.gov/ustda-brings-u-s-small-modular-reactor-technology-to-strengthen-philippines-energy-security/
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