Meralco and French Firm Collab to Explore Nuclear Energy
- April 25, 2025
Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has partnered with France’s state-owned utility Électricité de France (EDF) to examine the potential of deploying nuclear energy in the Philippines to enhance the country’s long-term energy stability. Under a two-year memorandum of cooperation, EDF will offer technical expertise and strategic advice to Meralco as it conducts feasibility studies.
Last November 2024, Meralco disclosed ongoing discussions with the French government regarding potential research partnerships. These studies aim to assess factors such as site suitability, integration with the power grid, and the economic feasibility of adopting nuclear energy 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,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco chair and chief executive officer.
“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,” Pangilinan added.
According to the Philippines’ nuclear energy roadmap, the country aims to develop a minimum of 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power capacity by 2032, increasing to 4,800 MW by 2050.
(Also read: Meralco’s Price Hike and Other Issues)
Training and funding for nuclear energy
EDF will provide “customized training sessions” on nuclear reactor technologies and nuclear energy project management. In addition, the French utility firm will support Meralco with the services and guidance necessary to roll out a potential nuclear energy program in the country.
Meralco and EDF will also collaborate in exploring funding sources—including potential support from the French government—to help advance the Philippines’ move toward nuclear energy.
“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,” EDF Senior Vice President for International Nuclear Development Vakisasai Ramany said.
“This is the beginning of what we envision as a remarkable, long-term journey, one that could span the next hundred years,” Ramany continued.
(Also read: Securing a Stable Power Supply Crucial for Lowering Electricity Prices in the PH)
This partnership expands on Meralco’s ongoing collaborations with Université Paris-Saclay (UPS) and leading nuclear institutions in France to foster capacity building and knowledge exchange as part of its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) initiative.
In collaboration with the Meralco Power Academy (MPA), Meralco also launched the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program with UPS. This initiative is designed to strengthen the skills of Filipino energy professionals and nurture future leaders and innovators in the nuclear energy sector.
The parties also tapped various French government research and industrial organizations, including the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, to explore potential partnerships for knowledge exchange in the field of nuclear energy.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248017
https://manilastandard.net/business/314579577/meralco-french-utility-tie-up-for-nuclear-energy.html
https://malaya.com.ph/business/corporate/meralco-frances-edf-partner-to-explore-nuclear-energy/
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/meralco-advances-nuclear-energy-push-for-sustainability/
https://tribune.net.ph/2024/11/14/meralco-nuke-scholars-get-france-training
