The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and South Korea’s Samsung C&T Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the adoption of nuclear energy projects in the Philippines.
ADVANCING ADOPTION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY. Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho (left) and Samsung C&T Corporation President for Global Operations Jungwook Kim formalize their partnership during the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding to promote nuclear energy projects in the Philippines, marking a significant step toward the country's energy security and sustainability goals. I Photo: Meralco
The partnership, formalized during the recent Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Manila, aims to support the country’s long-term energy security initiatives by exploring the potential for nuclear power in the local energy landscape.
Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration.
“Our partnership with Samsung C&T is a critical step in aligning with the government’s efforts to integrate nuclear energy into the Philippines’ power supply mix. As we explore this next-generation technology, we remain committed to ensuring energy security and sustainable growth,” said Pangilinan.
Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho and Samsung C&T President for Global Operations Jungwook Kim led the ceremonial signing of the MOU.
This agreement opens the door for collaboration on nuclear technology design, regulatory frameworks, and the required infrastructure to integrate nuclear energy into the Philippines' energy mix.
One of the most notable aspects of this partnership is the renewed interest in reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), a project that has been mothballed since the 1980s.
Samsung C&T, with its extensive global expertise in nuclear power plant construction, will share its technical know-how, with a particular focus on both large-scale nuclear projects and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Samsung C&T’s track record includes world-class projects such as the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE, showcasing its strong capabilities in the field.
In addition to exploring nuclear power’s viability, the MOU also includes initiatives for developing a local talent pool specialized in nuclear engineering. Meralco is committed to building the Philippines’ technical expertise by sending Filipino scholars to leading nuclear institutions abroad.
This partnership marks a significant step toward diversifying the country’s energy sources and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
As the largest electric distribution utility in the Philippines, Meralco continues to lead efforts to transition to more diversified and resilient energy solutions, including nuclear power.
With Samsung C&T's global experience and commitment to innovation, the collaboration is set to play a crucial role in the Philippines' journey toward energy sustainability.
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