Meralco, Samsung C&T eye PH nuclear energy projects

By Ed Paolo Salting – October 15, 2024
from The Manila Times

MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) on Monday said that it had sealed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s Samsung C&T Corp. Engineering & Construction (Samsung C&T) Group to promote the adoption of nuclear energy projects.

“Through this MoU, Meralco stands to gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical aspects of nuclear energy development that will ensure that our future decisions are well-informed and aligned with international best practices,” Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie Aperocho said.

“Moreover, this aligns well with Meralco’s continuous efforts to work with global knowledge and technology partners to help us in our transition towards more diversified and sustainable energy sources,” he added.

Under the agreement, Meralco and Samsung C&T will jointly tackle the technical design and capabilities of nuclear technology, the possible regulatory framework, energy landscape, and necessary grid infrastructure in the Philippines.

The two will also explore the roll-out of a pilot demonstration project and other opportunities for nuclear power plant development.

Samsung C&T was said to be planning to construct large nuclear power plants and small modular reactor projects.

Meralco noted that the Philippines and South Korea had agreed to conduct a feasibility study regarding the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

“Our collaboration with Samsung C&T is a strategic move that cements our commitment to take an active role in contributing to the Philippine government’s efforts to integrate nuclear energy in the country’s future power supply mix,” Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan said.

“As we collectively work on the safe and secure adoption of this next-generation technology, we remain focused on our ultimate goal of ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the Philippines,” he added.