2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Gabriell Christel Galang)
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has partnered with state-owned French electric utility firm Electricité de France SA (EDF) to explore the viability of nuclear energy in the Philippines. In a statement, Meralco said that it has entered into a two-year memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with EDF that will involve site activities and power system integration to assess nuclear energy's potential in the Philippines and determine its economic feasibility within the country’s energy mix.
Under the MOC, EDF will provide training sessions on nuclear reactor technology and nuclear project management. The French firm will also assist Meralco in developing a dedicated program for nuclear initiatives. Manuel V.
Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive officer of Meralco, expressed his belief that this partnership would help advance nuclear integration in the Philippines. “One of the Philippine government’s key objectives is to achieve greater energy security for our country, and nuclear power is one viable path toward that goal,” he said. “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.” Furthermore, Meralco and EDF will explore potential funding sources, including support from the French government, to facilitate their efforts in evaluating the feasibility of nuclear energy in the Philippines. Vakisasai Ramany, senior vice president for international nuclear development of EDF, expressed optimism about the progress achievable through the MOC with Meralco, stating, “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,” he added. This cooperation builds upon Meralco’s existing partnership with Université Paris-Saclay (UPS) and other nuclear institutions in France for capacity-building and knowledge sharing through its nuclear energy strategic transition (NEST) initiative. Meralco stated that its Meralco Power Academy (MPA) has partnered with UPS as a partner institution for its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program.
This program aims to cultivate the next generation of innovators in nuclear energy by enhancing the competencies of Filipino energy professionals. Moreover, Meralco has also engaged with several French government research and industrial institutions to explore further partnerships aimed at expanding knowledge and information on pursuing nuclear energy..
