Meralco prepares for nuclear power facility license as DOE opens applications in 2026

Meralco is preparing to apply for a license to operate nuclear power facilities as the Department of Energy plans to open applications for nuclear energy projects in 2026.

Meralco Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho confirmed the company's aggressive stance on pursuing nuclear power and stated that their project bids are ready.

The Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) will be the sole regulatory body for nuclear energy and radiation sources under the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.

The Philippines aims to incorporate nuclear energy into its power mix, targeting 1,200 MW by 2032, 2,400 MW by 2045, and 4,800 MW by 2050.

Meralco is considering the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) due to their manageable size and faster construction times compared to conventional nuclear power plants.

However, Philippine law requires the country of origin to demonstrate at least two years of safe, incident-free SMR operation before they can be adopted in the Philippines, a condition Meralco finds important.

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors capable of generating up to 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.