The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it will align its possible venture into micro-modular reactor (MMR) nuclear energy technology with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) vision
on nuclear energy where the agency has initially identified 14 areas apt to host such technology, according to Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco chief operating officer.
Meralco and American firm, Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. last week formalized an agreement for the conduct of a joint pre-feasibility study on MMRs with the aim to explore clean and sustainable energy options in the country.
The study will enable Meralco obtain an estimate of the environmental and social impact, capital expenditure and operational costs, among others, related to the siting, construction, and operation of one or more MMR energy systems in the Philippines.
Depending on the results of the current pre-feasibility study, Meralco has the option to conduct a more detailed feasibility study with focus on the adoption and deployment of MMR energy systems.
Meralco said the study will help the company in critical decisions and potential future activities on project-specific studies and project development plans at identified sites as it will also assess financial, technical, safety and siting, among other considerations.
Jose Ronald Valles, Meralco first vice president and head of regulatory management office told reporters six power supply generators with a total capacity of over 3,000 megawatts (MW) have submitted their expressions of interest to participate in the company’s scheduled competitive selection process (CSP) for 1,800 MW of electricity.
Meralco is seeking for suppliers of 1,800 MW of electricity that will be needed by December 2024.
Bidders are given until December 26 to submit their offers.
Based on publicly available proceedings, among the firms that are interested to vie for the 1,800 MW CSP by Meralco are GNPower Dinginin of the Aboitiz Group, First NatGas Power of First Gen Corp., SP New Energy as well as Mariveles Power Generation, Excellent Energy Resources and Masinloc Power Partners that are all under San Miguel Corp.
Capacities offered by the companies are from coal, natural gas and solar technologies.
