US firm, PNRI to build PH's first micro modular reactor

California-based Valar Atomics is partnering with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to construct a small modular reactor for research purposes in the Philippines.

This 'proof-of-concept' reactor is a micro high-temperature gas reactor and marks the first time such a reactor will be built in the country.

Valar Atomics president Kip Mock stated the initiative involves an investment in the 'tens of millions of dollars' and will assess the feasibility of small-scale reactors for baseload power in remote islands.

The reactor is intended for research and to demonstrate core physics at a small scale, with extremely low risk and not connected to the national grid.

Mock confirmed that licensing procedures with PNRI are ongoing.

Valar Atomics is also collaborating with the Philippine Nuclear Science and Technology Foundation and local universities, including Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology, to advance nuclear technology and develop local expertise.