AboitizPower, DOE Explore Sites for Future PH Nuclear Plants

Aboitiz Power Corporation is working with the Philippine government to identify potential sites for nuclear power plants as part of the country’s long-term nuclear energy roadmap.

The DOE previously said it had finalized an approval process for nuclear developments and aims to integrate nuclear power into the country’s energy mix by 2032. (Photo: AboitizPower)

The Department of Energy (DOE) said it held discussions with AboitizPower and National Power Corporation for a possible partnership to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on identifying suitable locations for nuclear power facilities.

The DOE said the assessment may include the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), which was completed in the 1980s but never became operational due to corruption allegations and safety concerns.

According to the agency, discussions covered a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the initiative.

The DOE said the collaboration aims “to strengthen evidence-based and internationally aligned approaches to nuclear energy development by assessing site suitability, safety, security, regulatory readiness, and infrastructure requirements in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.”

AboitizPower confirmed the exploratory partnership in a disclosure.

“The parties have since executed an MOU, which is exploratory and non-binding in nature and lays down a framework for cooperation in conducting a preliminary study on the subject,” the company said.

The DOE previously said it had finalized an approval process for nuclear developments and aims to integrate nuclear power into the country’s energy mix by 2032.

Patrick Aquino, DOE director and head of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), said proposed projects would undergo seven layers of regulatory approval, including environmental clearances and nuclear siting requirements.