Meralco PowerGen gets $2.8-M US grant for small nuclear reactor study

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), through its power generation arm Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), has secured a $2.8-million (about P162 million) grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support research on adopting nuclear energy as part of the country’s power mix.

In a statement Wednesday, Meralco said MGEN, with USTDA’s technical assistance, will conduct a study on the viability of deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines and identify preferred technologies and potential sites for development.

The Pangilinan-led company said the comprehensive SMR Adoption Study is targeted to begin this year.

Meralco said the USTDA grant will advance its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which aims to integrate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon solution.

The funding will also enable the company to tap American expertise in nuclear energy, particularly in the development of SMR technologies, according to the company.

“USTDA is proud to lead the US government’s efforts to develop strategic infrastructure projects that both our countries have prioritized,” said Thomas Hardy, USTDA deputy director.

“Safe, secure, and safeguarded nuclear solutions offer tremendous potential for energy independence. Our funding will advance Meralco’s nuclear energy program, strengthen America’s nuclear industrial base, and position trusted U.S. technologies as the foundation for the Philippines’ energy future,” he added.

Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan said the grant lays the groundwork for the responsible integration of nuclear energy into the country’s overall fuel mix.

“This grant goes beyond funding—it is a demonstration of support from the United States for our vision, our readiness, and our capabilities to help lead the adoption of nuclear energy,” Pangilinan said.

He described the initiative as “the beginning of a long but necessary journey,” adding that Meralco is prepared to play a leading role in advancing nuclear energy as part of a more secure and sustainable energy future.—MCG, GMA Integrated News