Flow for PH nuclear power plant licensing now complete — DOE

The government has completed a streamlined licensing and permitting flowchart for nuclear power plant projects in the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday. 

In a news release, the DOE outlined the permitting and licensing flow for nuclear power projects, namely:

• business registration and foundational permits that form part of the first phase
• environmental clearances and nuclear siting requirements, second phase
• licensing by the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) to construct or secure a provisional permit, third phase
• energy sector-specific approvals and licenses, fourth phase
• operational and support registrations and permits, fifth phase
• construction monitoring and oversight, sixth phase
• licensing for operation, testing and commissioning, seventh phase

The Energy Department said the streamlined licensing framework was formulated during a Focus Group Discussion on Harmonizing Nuclear Power Plant Licensing in the Philippines held on February 11, 2026 at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin earlier said the government aims to begin accepting nuclear power plant license applications by 2026, to stay on track with the 2032 target of integrating nuclear energy into Philippine energy mix.

“By finalizing this harmonized licensing roadmap, we are sending a clear signal that the Philippines is preparing for nuclear energy with discipline and foresight. Our commitment is straightforward: strong safety oversight, predictable processes, and transparent public engagement, so that when proponents are ready to invest, government is ready to evaluate, regulate, and deliver our 2032 target responsibly,” said Garin. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA Integrated News