Philippines, South Korea sign MOU for BNPP feasibility study starting Jan 2025

The Philippines and South Korea signed an agreement on Monday, October 7, to conduct a feasibility study regarding the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) starting in January 2025.

During the signing ceremony at Malacañang Palace, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed optimism about the BNPP project, which was initiated during his father's administration but has been dormant for over three decades.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the significance of nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the two countries in this area.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), South Korea will bear all costs associated with the feasibility study, which is set to begin in January 2025 and will be conducted in two phases.

Phase one will assess the current condition of BNPP, while phase two will evaluate its potential refurbishment or alternative options such as constructing a conventional plant or developing small modular reactors.

The Philippine government stressed that any decision regarding the BNPP's rehabilitation will depend on further evaluation after the study is completed.