Power retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) signed a strategic collaboration with state-controlled French multinational electric utility company Electricité de France SA (EDF) to explore the potential of nuclear energy deployment in the Philippines.
“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. 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,” Meralco chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said in a statement over the weekend.
Meralco signed a two-year memorandum of cooperation with EDF where the latter 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.
EDF will also deliver training sessions on nuclear reactor technology and nuclear project management.
The French electric utility company will also extend assistance and services to Meralco to implement a potential nuclear program in the country
Meralco and EDF will also work to seek funding opportunities, including from the French government, to support nuclear adoption in the Philippines.
“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,” EDF senior vice president for International Nuclear Development Vakisasai Ramany said.
The partnership builds on Meralco’s various engagements with Université Paris-Saclay (UPS) and top nuclear institutions in France for possible collaborations on capacity building and knowledge sharing in a bid to advance its nuclear energy strategic transition (NEST) initiative.
Meralco, along with Meralco Power Academy (MPA), teamed up with UPS for its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program which cultivates the next generation of strong innovators in the field of nuclear energy by enhancing the competencies of Filipino energy professionals.
The parties 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.
Meralco, the country’s biggest power retailer, has been forging partnerships with reputable global institutions to gain insights and deep dive into opportunities that can pave the way for safe nuclear energy adoption in the country.