Meralco, USTDA partner for SMR feasibility study in PH

Meralco is collaborating with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to conduct a feasibility study on the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines.

The power firm secured a $2.7 million grant from the USTDA and aims to release a request for proposals this month to select a contractor for the study.

The study is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of the year and conclude by the fourth quarter.

This initiative is part of Meralco's Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program.

The study supports the Department of Energy's (DoE) goal of incorporating 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power into the country's energy mix by 2032.

Starting in April, Meralco will begin identifying potential sites suitable for SMR facilities in coordination with government agencies such as the DoE and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.