An agreement that will enhance cooperation on clean energy and energy security between the Philippines and the United States has come into force last week, according to a statement released by the US Department of State yesterday.
The United States and Philippines’ Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (123 Agreements) which also establishes a framework for continued US civil nuclear trade with the Philippines was welcomed by local energy and trade officials as a “significant step” towards the diversification and strengthening of the country’s energy portfolio.
The US State Department said the 123 Agreement provides a legal framework for exports of nuclear material, equipment and components including reactors and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production from the US to another country.
The agreement also serves as a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation with the Philippines based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.
“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts and together our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals. Nuclear energy can help achieve these vital global climate change and energy security targets and we look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation with the Philippines in civil nuclear energy and other clean energy initiatives,” the US State Department statement further read.
The Department of Energy (DOE) said the 123 Agreement provides for the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, for information, knowledge, and technology exchange related to nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the agreement aims to facilitate
Philippine-US cooperation for the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment and components taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with their respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.
Lotilla said the Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee is finalizing the country’s nuclear energy program roadmap which outlines key targets that must be achieved for the successful use of nuclear energy for power generation.
Under the 2023-2050 Philippine Energy Plan, the entry of nuclear power generation capacities is targeted in 2032 with at least 1,200 MW, and additional 1,200 MW by 2035 and 2,400 MW by 2050.
Secretary Alfredo Pascual of the Department of Trade and Industry said the partnership underscores the Philippines’ commitment to clean and sustainable energy which are vital for achieving our climate and economic goals.
“Nuclear energy will enhance our energy security and support economic growth,” said Pascual, adding the 123 Agreement opens up “a key opportunity to attract investments in clean energy.”
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is pursuing a formal pre-feasibility study with American firm, Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. for the development of micro-modular reactor (MMR) nuclear energy technology in the country.
The company targets to put up a power plant utilizing such technology before 2028.
Meralco recently introduced the pilot batch of scholars under its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program wherein five of its engineers will participate in a two-year nuclear engineering program in partner institutions abroad.
