MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) and state-controlled French multinational electric utility company Electricité de France SA (EDF) have entered into a two-year memorandum of cooperation to explore the potential of using nuclear energy in the Philippines.
Meralco in a statement on Sunday said under the agreement signed in Makati City on April 3, EDF will extend assistance and services to the Philippine power distributor in implementing a potential nuclear program in the country.
EDF will provide technical and strategic support to Meralco for a feasibility study focused on site activities, power system integration and the economic viability of nuclear power in the nation’s energy mix, the company added.
This includes the provision by EDF of customized training sessions on nuclear reactor technology and nuclear project management.
The partnership also calls for Meralco and EDF working jointly to seek funding opportunities, including from the French government, to support nuclear adoption in the Philippines.
Energy security
“One of Philippine government’s key objectives is to achieve greater energy security for our country and nuclear power is one viable path toward that goal,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco chairman and chief executive officer, as quoted in the statement.
“We see this cooperation as a significant first step for Meralco, and we are committed to taking a leadership role in advancing nuclear energy in the Philippines. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with France in this crucial area,” Pangilinan added.
Vakisasai Ramany, EDF senior vice president for international nuclear development said: “Through this important first step — and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with you — we hope to make real progress at your site as well. This is the beginning of what we envision as a remarkable, long-term journey, one that could span the next hundred years.”
Capacity building
Meralco said the partnership builds on its various engagements with Université Paris-Saclay (UPS) and top nuclear institutions in France for possible collaborations on capacity building and knowledge sharing to advance its nuclear energy strategic transition initiative.
Meralco, along with Meralco Power Academy, tied up with UPS as a partner institution for its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program, which cultivates the next generation of strong innovators in the field of nuclear energy by enhancing the competencies of Filipino energy professionals.
They also engaged several French government research and industrial institutions, such as the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, among others, to explore potential partnerships on knowledge sharing on nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy roadmap
The Philippine government last year unveiled its nuclear energy roadmap at the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference (GC) in Vienna, Austria.
The Department of Energy said the aim is to have commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts initially entering the country’s power mix, then gradually increasing that to 4,800 MW by 2050.
The Philippines in 1984 completed construction of its first nuclear power plant in Bataan.
The plant was never commissioned, however, as it was mired in controversy, concerns over safety and allegations of corruption.
