MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) has partnered with South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd. on possible strategic collaborations on developing low-carbon energy projects in the Philippines.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) they signed last Monday will focus on several key initiatives, such as the potential deployment of nuclear power facilities in the country, including the rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
The MOU presented during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum will study the use of small modular reactors (SMR) to help meet the country’s growing power demand and achieve long-term energy security.
The parties will also work together on the possible deployment of greenhouse gas reduction equipment, such as ammonia co-firing technology for aging thermal power plants as well as for the possible development and supply of gas turbine for combined cycle power projects of Meralco’s subsidiaries, with Doosan to serve as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor for such projects.
“By working together on transformative projects, this collaboration will contribute to the modernization of the country’s energy infrastructure and help ensure a stable and long-term supply of clean, reliable power. We are committed to being a strong and dependable partner to the Philippine power sector, supporting its continued growth and development,” Yeonin Jung, Doosan Enerbility vice chairman, said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Manuel Pangilinan, Meralco chairman and chief executive officer, said “partnering with reputable and dependable companies like Doosan aligns well with our pursuit to continuously explore innovative energy solutions that we can adopt as we work towards ensuring availability of sufficient, affordable and reliable power to meet our country’s long-term goals.”
Meralco is working with American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. for the development of micro-modular (MMR) nuclear energy technology in the country.
The company is hopeful to put up a power plant utilizing such technology before 2028.
