DTI eyes partnership with Canadian firm AtkinsRealis on civil nuclear energy

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is exploring a possible partnership with Canadian nuclear technology firm AtkinsRéalis on civil nuclear energy to support the Philippines’ transition to cleaner energy sources.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Finance Secretary Frederick Go met with AtkinsRéalis executives on July 2 to discuss safe and commercially viable nuclear technologies that could form part of the country’s long-term energy mix.

“Reliable and affordable energy is essential to industrial growth. As the Philippines studies nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, we welcome AtkinsRéalis’ interest in sharing its proven engineering and nuclear technology expertise with the country,” Roque said in a statement.

The Montreal-based company presented its CANDU EC6 nuclear reactor technology as a potential option as the Philippines evaluates safe, reliable and commercially viable technologies for its civil nuclear energy program.

According to DTI, CANDU technology uses natural, unenriched uranium and heavy water. The department said 31 commercial CANDU reactors have been built worldwide, including in Canada, Argentina, China, Romania and South Korea, with the technology also used in major refurbishment and life-extension projects.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Canada.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has said the Philippines is aiming to have commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts initially entering the country’s power mix. This is targeted to gradually increase to 4,800 megawatts by 2050.

In January, the DOE identified several potential sites for nuclear power plants, including Bataan, Labrador in Pangasinan, Camarines Norte, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and Masbate.—MCG, GMA News