The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Electric Power Corp.’s (Kepco) International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) where the power distribution utility will be sending Filipino scholars to these energy and technology institutions in South Korea in a bid to build a skilled nuclear energy workforce in the Philippines.
The endeavor, which will begin in March 2026, is part of Meralco’s commitment to its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program.
Meralco’s ongoing Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program ostensibly dovetails with the KINGS’ industry-related curriculum, thus the attractiveness of this new MOU. The latter offers access to live plant data, simulators, field visits, and digital learning environments tailored to nuclear operations and reactor management.
Meralco also discussed potential collaborations with Kepco on smart grid modernization, storm hardening, and energy transition strategies, particularly on advanced metering infrastructure rollout, grid automation, data analytics, and distributed energy resource integration.
Meralco Power , for its part, will host more than 20 students from Kepco’s Sudo Electric Technical High School in the first quarter of 2026. Since 2023, MPA already hosted 71 students.
Meralco already had various engagements with South Korean firms in the field of nuclear energy.
Meralco has an existing agreement with DL Engineering and Construction in South Korea to explore the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines to cover feasibility studies, site assessments, and long-term strategic planning.
At present, nuclear power units considered as SMR are those with power output of up to 300 megawatts (MW) which are deemed as plausible for utilization in off-grid areas of the country.
Meralco also held site visits and strategic dialogues with the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, Samsung C&T Corp., and LG Energy Solutions.
“Our strategic engagements in South Korea underscores our commitment to the responsible development of nuclear energy,” said Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer. “By partnering with global leaders with deep institutional knowledge, technical expertise and actual experience in operating nuclear facilities, we are building our own capabilities to ensure sustainable and safe adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines.”
He cited that insights and best practices that Meralco can gain from such engagements will be crucial in pushing for long-term energy security projects in the country.
Meralco’s NEST program actively explores a multi-track approach that evaluates all viable deployment pathways for the safe and responsible integration of nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon energy solution.
Based on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Philippine Energy Plan 2023 to 2050, the government aims for the country to have a nuclear capacity of at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) by 2032 and double it to 2,400 MW by 2035 and escalate it to 4,800 MW by 2050.
At present, apart from Meralco, Aboitiz Power Corp. is also among local power companies who are vocal in their interest to develop nuclear power projects in the country. Latest data from the DOE show that as of end-May 2025, the country’s total grid connected installed capacity is at 30,967 MW, majority of which or 13,006 MW equivalent to 42 percent are from coal-fired power plants.
