Marcos Eyes Russian Nuclear Partnership To Strengthen Philippine Energy Security
- June 23, 2026
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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is open to deeper energy cooperation with Russia, including potential collaboration on nuclear power technologies, as the government looks to diversify energy sources and secure long-term electricity supply amid rising demand.
The issue emerged as a key area of discussion during Marcos’ first bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kazan, where both leaders pointed to opportunities to expand cooperation beyond the current level of trade and explore partnerships in energy and food security.
Speaking in an interview with Russia Today on the sidelines of his visit, Marcos said the Philippines is closely examining nuclear energy as part of its broader strategy to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply. He identified small modular reactors (SMRs) as a particularly attractive option for an archipelagic country like the Philippines.
Small Modular Reactors Seen As Viable Option
Marcos said the government continues to assess whether emerging nuclear technologies are ready for large-scale deployment, but noted that Russia is among the global leaders in SMR development.
According to the President, the technology could help address one of the country’s longstanding energy challenges: delivering reliable electricity to geographically isolated islands and remote communities.
With more than 7,600 islands, the Philippines faces significant infrastructure constraints in extending power transmission networks across the archipelago. Marcos said SMRs, which generally produce between 70 and 300 megawatts of electricity, could provide a practical alternative by supplying power directly to individual islands or local grids.
He also highlighted the modular nature of the technology, which allows additional units to be installed as demand grows.
Marcos said Russia has moved beyond pilot projects and has operational commercial SMR facilities, making it a potentially valuable partner as the Philippines evaluates its nuclear energy options.
The President raised the prospect of nuclear cooperation during his meeting with Putin, signaling Manila’s openness to learning from Russia’s experience in the sector.
Energy Security
The discussions were part of the Marcos administration’s larger agenda of strengthening energy security as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels while supporting economic growth.
Putin said Russia sees significant room to expand bilateral cooperation in both agriculture and energy, noting that trade between the two countries has surpassed $500 million but remains well below its potential.
“Of course, this is far from the limit,” Putin said during the meeting, adding that there is “good potential” to increase the supply of agricultural and energy resources to the Philippines.
Marcos agreed that existing trade levels do not fully reflect the opportunities available to both countries. He cited energy and food security as among the priorities identified through the Philippines-Russia Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which met in Moscow last September.
The President said there remain many areas open for exploration and cooperation, particularly in sectors that could contribute to the country’s long-term economic resilience and resource security.
Diversifying Energy Sources
The renewed focus on energy cooperation comes as governments worldwide reassess energy strategies following disruptions in global fuel markets and supply chains in recent years.
Marcos said nuclear power is increasingly being reconsidered as part of the global transition toward cleaner energy sources. While the Philippines continues to pursue renewable energy development, he said nuclear energy offers another potential pathway for meeting future electricity requirements.
The President pointed to the growing power needs of emerging industries, including artificial intelligence applications and data centers, which require substantial and stable electricity supply. As digital infrastructure expands, he said the country must evaluate all available technologies capable of providing dependable baseload power while supporting economic growth.
“Nuclear power is one of the best possibilities,” Marcos said, emphasizing the need to examine all viable options for future energy generation.
Philippine-Russian Cooperation
Earlier reports indicated that the Philippines procured around 1.5 million barrels of Russian crude oil after a temporary waiver allowed purchases of Russian petroleum products amid concerns over global oil supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Russia has previously expressed interest in participating in the Philippines’ nuclear energy development and had earlier floated the idea of deploying a floating nuclear power plant in the country, although no agreement was reached.
Beyond energy, Marcos and Putin discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in food security, trade, tourism, and diplomatic engagement. Both leaders also underscored the importance of maintaining dialogue through existing bilateral mechanisms and political consultations.
Still, energy security emerged as one of the clearest areas of convergence during the talks, with both sides signaling a willingness to explore new avenues of cooperation as the Philippines pursues a more diversified and resilient energy future.
Source:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1277713
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/06/19/2536269/marcos-putin-discuss-boosting-energy-food-ties
