energy – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

Meralco and French firm sign nuclear power development agreement

April 18, 2025April 14, 2025carlocarrasco

The movement towards a nuclear-powered Philippines progressed some more as Meralco and the French energy firm Électricité de France SA (EDF) formally signed an agreement to explore nuclear energy development in the country, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Power utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with France’s state-owned Électricité de France SA (EDF) to explore the deployment of nuclear energy in the Philippines, an initiative aimed at bolstering long-term energy security.

EDF will provide Meralco with technical support and strategic guidance in conducting feasibility studies under the two-year memorandum of cooperation, according to a news release over the weekend.

Meralco revealed in November 2024 that it is in talks with the French government on research collaborations.

The studies will focus on evaluating site readiness, grid integration and the economic viability of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

“One of Philippine government’s key objectives is to achieve greater energy security for our country and nuclear power is one viable path toward that goal,” Meralco chair and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

“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,” he added.

EDF, one of the world’s largest nuclear power operators, will also offer tailored training on nuclear reactor technologies and project management.

It will support Meralco in preparing for potential deployment and in seeking financing options, including those from the French government.

“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. This is the beginning of what we envision as a remarkable, long-term journey, one that could span the next hundred years,” EDF senior vice president for International Nuclear Development Vakisasai Ramany told Meralco officials.

The collaboration builds on Meralco’s nuclear energy strategic transition initiative and its ongoing engagements with France’s top research institutions.

Through its Meralco Power Academy, the company has partnered with Université Paris-Saclay under the Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program to develop future Filipino experts in the nuclear field.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that a nuclear-powered Philippines will be realized in the years to come?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Thai-led oil firm announces P1.5 billion, 5-year expansion in the country

April 17, 2025April 11, 2025carlocarrasco

The Thai-led oil firm PTT Philippines recently announced that it will expand its operations in the country over the next five years with P1.5 billion worth of investments, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. The expansion includes putting up new fuel stations.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

In a briefing on Friday, April 11, PTT Philippines officials said the company is eyeing to increase its fuel stations to 280 within the next five years.

Athiwat Rattanakorn, president and chief executive officer of PTT Philippines, stated that the oil firm aims to improve its nationwide presence, particularly focusing on establishing more stations in Luzon and Visayas.

Currently operating 170 stations throughout the Philippines, PTT plans to not only boost its pumping stations but also increase the brand’s presence.

The firm has also introduced a reformulated line of fuel brands, namely Power+ gasoline, Eco+ gasoline, Ultra+ diesel, and Save+ diesel.

“This is going to redefine high-performance fuels as they are intended to improve driving experience not only in terms of mileage but also the cleaning and protection formula for the engine to last longer,” Rattanakorn said.

Apichate Thipphayakosai, supply and logistics director of PTT Philippines, clarified that while they’re only aiming to add around 110 stations in the next five years, they’re focused on the aviation industry.

“We don’t go aggressively on the number of stations… We have to invest effectively in terms of that one,” he told reporters. “But one other thing that can be the mainstream of revenue of PTT Philippines is aviation. We can say that [for] most of the domestic flights.”

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this new plan by PTT will make the Philippines a more attractive destination for foreign investors? Is there a PTT fuel station near you right now?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Potential sites for future nuclear power plants being assessed by government

April 6, 2025April 2, 2025carlocarrasco

The effort towards a nuclear-powered Philippines moved forward a bit more as the Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that it has been assessing potential sites for future nuclear power plants, according to a business news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Energy (DOE) is assessing various sites for future nuclear power plants, including possible locations in the western regions of the Philippines.

In a recent ambush interview, DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin shared that while these potential sites are still being evaluated against specific criteria, several areas across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have already been identified as possibilities for nuclear development.

“We have evaluated sites, but that’s still not final; it’s like [the DOE is] practicing [its] criteria,” she told reporters.

“So we assess, for example, [in] Bataan [province, the municipalities of] Morong [and] Mariveles. We’ve also assessed somewhere in Bulacan, [and] in Batangas.”

While these provincial areas already have large populations, Garin is also hopeful about the possibility of building other nuclear-related infrastructures, such as data centers, in the future.

“We’ve also assessed down south. There’s a lot—Masbate, Palawan, we’ve also gone there—some of them qualify because there [are] metrics.”

She also said that Western Visayas could be a viable location for hosting nuclear facilities, along with other regional areas that are less likely to be affected by tsunamis.

“Palawan is really one of the most stable [in terms of geology]. The problem [there] is the grid—it’s not connected.”

According to Garin, the DOE is closely looking at areas that are far from fault lines and volcanoes.

She emphasized, however, that these are not confirmed sites for development, adding that, “I don’t want to announce what the specific areas have passed because it might cause some anxiety among people.”

The Energy Undersecretary assured that the government is making significant progress in its preparations, including conducting surveys, developing frameworks, and forming key partnerships, such as the 123 Agreement with the United States (US). She expressed optimism that once legal and regulatory requirements are finalized, the country will be ready to begin issuing construction licenses by 2026.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the assessment by the government for potential nuclear power sites will be completed soon and pave the way for actual construction?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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International nuclear supply chain forum set for November 13-15, 2024 in Quezon City

October 21, 2024October 9, 2024carlocarrasco

In what could be a boost for a nuclear-powered Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) is officially hosting the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) which will take place in Quezon City from November 13 to 15, 2024, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Eyeing to lead Southeast Asia in deploying nuclear energy technology, the Department of Energy (DOE) will host the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) from Nov. 13 to 15.

Happening at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, the PINSCF will gather local and foreign stakeholders to discuss the latest technology and innovations, as well as share best practices in the nuclear energy industry.

Expected participants in the forum are power generation companies, government agencies, embassies, academia, and other key sectors.

“We are bringing together companies from countries with proven track records in building and maintaining the critical infrastructure needed by the energy sector. This forum will showcase their innovations and best practices, offering the Philippines the opportunity to learn and benefit from their experiences,” the DOE said in a statement Wednesday.

Stakeholders from the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and South Korea, which are among the leading countries in nuclear technology, will provide insights for the Philippines as the government explores nuclear energy for a balanced, resilient, and low-carbon energy system to drive sustainable economic growth.

“As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, each nation is weighing options for achieving energy independence and security. This forum allows us to engage with the global community while ensuring that our own stakeholders are part of the discussions,” the DOE said.

Interested participants should register through http://www.nuclearforumph.com. For more information, participants may contact the Nuclear Energy Program Secretariat via email address nep-iac.secretariat@gmail.com.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you wish to see the entire nation powered by nuclear energy using the latest power-generating technologies found in nuclear-powered small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors? Do you realize that nuclear power is more capable on providing the nation abundant energy better than the unreliable solar and wind power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Due to failure to fulfill energy commitments, Solar Philippines’ 21 contracts with government will be terminated

October 13, 2024October 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Have you ever heard of a corporation called Solar Philippines? That company boasted being the largest solar company in Southeast Asia and the national government awarded them with lots of contracts years ago. The results, however, are disastrous as Solar Philippines failed to fulfill the energy commitments which compelled the government to initiate moves to discontinue 21 of the 42 contracts, according to a GMA Network news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the GMA News report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday said it is set to discontinue 21 or half of the 42 service contracts it awarded to Solar Philippines following the company’s alleged failure to carry out its energy commitments.

The DOE made the announcement at the Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the agency’s budget after Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada inquired about the matter.

“Twenty-one of the contracts are already being processed for termination because they are not able to deliver the scheduled targets of the work program,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said at the hearing.

Estrada said different renewable energy companies were awarded a total of 473 service contracts for the construction of solar farms as of last March, supposedly for 32,359 megawatts of renewable energy supply.

He said that only 174.41 megawatts or 2% had been completed and started commercial operations of the 10,000 megawatts committed by Solar Philippines and its affiliates.

“The vast majority of the total commitment have not yet entered the development stage and remain in various phases of pre-development. How will this affect the department’s targets?” the senator asked.

He was referring to the Iba-Palawig project, Iba-Palawig 2 project, and San Marcelino phase 3 project.

Guevara said that acquisition of land, either through lease or purchase, is the most challenging part of energy companies in constructing power facilities.

“Previously, possessory rights were not required when we issued service contracts. However, under the new guidelines, developers must have possessory rights before service contracts are granted,” she said.

Estrada, however, inquired specifically as to why Solar Philippines, owned by businessman Leandro Leviste, was taking too long to adhere with the terms of its service contracts compared with other developers.

“You know, my conclusion is that while other project developers take an average of around two to three years to develop solar power projects, Solar Philippines and its affiliates have taken more than three years to even take its projects to development phase and much longer for actual construction,” the senator said.

“Bakit masyadong pinagkakatiwalaan itong Solar Philippines? (Why put so much trust with Solar Philippines?) Why do you keep on awarding contracts to them?” he added.

Guevara said 22,000 megawatts of capacity were already fully developed or are in development of 32,359 megawatts covered by service contracts.

“The remaining 10,000 megawatts depend on Solar Philippines, which could significantly compromise the DOE’s ability to meet its commitment to transitioning to renewable energy. I hope you seriously consider this matter,” Estrada said.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Sherwin Gatchalian also inquired about delays in the commitments indicated in the service contracts.

According to Guevara, the DOE would issue new sets of terms of reference for its succeeding green energy auctions, to include the performance of renewable energy companies as qualifying conditions.

In my honest opinion in relation to this development, renewable energy sources like solar and wind are truly unreliable. On the part of Solar Philippines (founded in 2013), generating 174.41 megawatts instead of the required 10,000 megawatts over the years is shocking. That being said, initiating moves to discontinue the 21 contracts with Solar Philippines makes a lot of sense.

Again, in my own view, the government should stop focusing so much on renewable energy and focus more on nuclear power to ensure clean and abundant energy for the entire nation as the energy needs of the people and businesses will only keep on growing. Solar power cannot be relied on as the sun does not shine brightly 365 days per year nor can the power collected through solar panels be enough to meet the needs to the nation.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think it is right for the government to move to terminate the 21 contracts with Solar Philippines? Are you convinced that solar power is not the solution for the nation’s energy requirements? What excuse can Solar Philippines come up with to convince the government to retain the 21 contracts?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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US-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (123 Agreement) enters into force

July 18, 2024July 9, 2024carlocarrasco

The Philippines moved some steps forward into a nuclear-powered future as the United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (also referred to as the 123 Agreement) came into force recently, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This means that the legal framework for potential nuclear projects with American providers has been laid down. It is recalled that the 123 Agreement has been progressing since last year.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The United States-Philippines Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, or the 123 Agreement, entered into force on July 2, the US Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson announced on Tuesday (Manila time).

Signed in November last year, the 123 Agreement will establish a legal framework that allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.

The agreement lays the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers and aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as in accordance with respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations.

Upon entry into force, the 123 Agreement will allow the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers.

It will also pave the way for streamlining the licensing requirements for the private sector with respect to investments in nuclear-related intangible transfers of technology.

“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together, our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” the US Department of State said.

Nuclear energy, it said, could help achieve these global climate change and energy security targets.

The US Department of State said the agreement is part of its efforts to develop the Philippines’ civil nuclear sector.

“Creating a safe, secure, and modern sector requires a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships. Our government is committed to working with the Philippines to advance each of these areas and we look forward to further building our partnership together,” the US Department of State said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said the administration would be glad to pursue nuclear energy as part of the country’s energy mix by 2032 through the partnership forged with American providers.

His administration seeks to increase the country’s renewable energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power will be more beneficial for the Filipino people and the national economy than solar and wind power? Are you aware that solar and wind power will cost too much money to create abundant energy for the Philippines?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

May 24, 2024May 13, 2024carlocarrasco

If the Philippines is to keep growing economically in the long-term, it needs to have abundant energy and that makes nuclear power essential (for related posts, click here, here, here and here). That being said, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) recently stated that nuclear power can prevent power shortages in the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), on Tuesday, May 7, said nuclear energy sources can help prevent energy shortages in the Philippines due to its “capacity factor” and “energy density.”

In a PTV interview, PNRI Executive Director Carlo Arcilla said nuclear power has two factors—energy density and capacity.

Energy density means that even a tiny amount of nuclear fuel, about the size of a finger, contains an incredible amount of energy, he said.

“If you had several tons of coal, it’s that powerful. It’s a very, very concentrated power,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Arcilla cited the second factor, “capacity factor,” explaining that the availability of a nuclear plant is approximately 90 percent of the time.

“When you’re running a nuclear plant, it’s reliably available about 90 percent of the time, regardless of the weather,” he said.

He further explained this by citing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as an example, along with other power plants built in the 1980s.

“Similar plants in Slovenia, South Korea, and Brazil have been in operation for 40 years and are even being relicensed for another 20 years,” he said.

“These plants can run for an impressive 18 months straight without needing to refuel. The amount of fuel they require is roughly equivalent to what you’d put in a jeep, and they keep running continuously,” he added.

The PNRI official then emphasized that nuclear energy production produces no emissions, including no carbon dioxide. The cost of running such a plant is estimated to be around 30 million dollars.

If that were compared to a coal plant running for 18 months at 620 megawatts (MW), it would be the same.

“The amount of coal needed would fill 50 Panamax ships. Each Panamax ship carries 50,000 tons. That’s 50 of them. Not to mention the CO2 (carbon dioxide). The cost of importing that coal would be around 800 million US dollars,” he explained

The PNRI is a research and development institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Furthermore, Arcilla pointed out that even though nuclear power plants are initially costly to build, they have a lifespan of up to 80 years.

“America, for example, has 94 operating nuclear plants, average age, 60 years. Supplying 20 percent of America’s energy. Many of them don’t even know they have nuclear,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power is the key to ensuring abundant amounts of energy that the Philippines will need to for economic growth as well as the needs of the people? Are members of your local community still living with a fear of nuclear power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) nuclear energy investment plan for Philippines moves forward

April 25, 2024April 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., and top officials of the Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) met in Washington, D.C., and discussed the progress of the company’s nuclear energy investment plan in the country, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (Manila time) hailed the developments in the planned nuclear energy investment of Washington-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) in the Philippines.

Marcos met with USNC’s top executives, led by its chief executive officer Francesco Venmeri, in the United States (US) to discuss the progress in the firm’s commitment to bring a reliable and clean energy source to the Philippines.

“We are delighted to share the progress of our ongoing collaboration with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. since our inaugural meeting in 2023. Their investment in Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs) promises a reliable and clean energy solution for the country,” Marcos said in a Facebook post after his meeting with USNC officials.

“This initiative ensures greater energy security, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and holds the promise of substantial economic gains for the Filipino people.”

During the meeting with USNC executives, Energy Secretary Rafael Lotilla briefed Marcos about the ongoing legislative measures in Congress that would provide the legal framework for the company’s planned investment and operation in the Philippines.

Lotilla told Marcos that the regulatory framework has been passed by the House of Representatives.

On Nov. 22, 2023, the House approved House Bill 9293, or the “Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, ” and last March 4, it also approved HB 9876 or the “Philippine Nuclear Liability Act.”

Marcos expressed hope that the bill gets passed in the Senate so that the necessary legal requirements could be completed soon to commence the project.

“You’re done already in the House. Okay. So, the elements that need to be there, the provisions that need to be (included), we can do in the Senate and then there’s one of course, is the bicam down the road. So, that would be the process from the government side,” the President said during the meeting.

“We spoke about this before. We’re going to go ahead with the program, with (the) project.”

Marcos’ meeting with USNC officials is a follow-up of their initial meeting in the US in May 2023, followed by the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on nuclear cooperation in Nov. 2023, and the firm’s participation in the US Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines in March 2024.

The USNC is a global leader and vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services. Its major initiatives include the MMR, Fully Ceramic Micro-encapsulated (FCM) nuclear fuel, and nuclear power and propulsion technologies for space exploration.

The MMR is a fourth-generation nuclear energy system that delivers safe, zero-carbon, cost-effective electricity and heat to utilities, industry, and remote communities.

This will be USNC’s first investment in the country and it partnered with Meralco for an MMR study.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you feel confident that safe and secure nuclear energy in the Philippines will be realized before the decade ends? Are people in your local community knowledgeable about the potential benefits of nuclear energy?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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DOE eyes 1,200-MW nuclear power capacity with SMR technologies in the Philippines by 2032

March 4, 2024February 24, 2024carlocarrasco

The path will be long and challenging for the Philippines to become a nuclear-powered nation but the Department of Energy (DOE) remains determined on achieving that goal by the year 2032 with the use of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies that could generate an initial 1,200 megawatts, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Department of Energy (DOE) top and senior officials said the agency is targeting to get a 1,200-megawatt installed power capacity from nuclear resources using small modular reactor (SMR) technologies by 2032.

This was confirmed by DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla as well as Undersecretaries Rowena Cristina Guevara and Sharon Garin to reporters in an interview in Taguig City on Thursday.

Lotilla said the government remains open to all technologies that will supply the growing power demand of the country in the coming years.

“(T)he commercial rollout of certain nuclear technologies are going to be there… (W)e can start planning for 2032 at the earliest. From the figures, you can see these are modest figures, 1,200 (MW) by 2032,” the DOE chief.

In her speech at the B2B Matching to Support Energy Transition (B2B SET), Guevara said this potential capacity would come from eight 150-MW SMRs.

She added that under the DOE’s Clean Energy Scenario (CES) 1, the 1,200 MW potential installed capacity for nuclear by 2032 is forecast to have additional 1,200 MW capacity by 2035 and another 2,400 MW by 2050.

Manila Electric Company has partnered with American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) to explore the potential of micro-modular reactors in the country.

AboitizPower Corp. is also exploring collaborations with NuScale Power Corp. and USNC in this sector.

Aside from the latest SMR technologies, Garin said the country is studying the viability of conventional nuclear reactors like the existing Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

Garin said the DOE is in talks with the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) for a more comprehensive feasibility study for the BNPP.

She added that the feasibility study with KHNP will determine if the government should pursue BNPP as a nuclear energy source in the future.

She said around 12 sites, mostly in the western parts of the country, are being studied for future locations of nuclear power facilities.

Safety first – Meanwhile, Lotilla stressed that the government will ensure that the safety concerns on nuclear energy technologies will be addressed first before putting up nuclear power plants.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the both the government and the private sector can make breakthroughs happen to pave the way for a nuclear-powered Philippines? Are there many people in your local community who are still afraid of nuclear energy because of what they saw in movies or TV shows that showed nuclear disasters?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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America-Philippines nuclear deal opens opportunities for investments and energy

November 22, 2023November 20, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently a landmark deal about nuclear power for peaceful purposes was signed between the United States of America and the Philippines which opens up opportunities for investments and energy that the Filipino people can benefit from, according to separate news stories (click here and here) published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things into perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA story pertaining to investments. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (Manila time) expressed elation over the signing of the much-awaited “123 Agreement” on nuclear cooperation between the governments of the Philippines and the United States.

This was after Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the nuclear cooperation agreement that will facilitate the collaboration between the two countries on technical exchanges, scientific research, and initiatives to ensure the safe operation of nuclear power installations.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Marcos’ participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California.

“I am most pleased to be here today to join you this afternoon to witness another milestone towards a more energy-secure and green Philippines,” Marcos said, noting that the move was in line with his plans to ensure an “affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply” for the Philippines.

Marcos expressed optimism that the signing of the nuclear deal would encourage more foreign investors to pursue nuclear power projects in the Philippines.

The nuclear power cooperation, he said, would enable the country to meet its growing energy demands and provide a “more investor- and consumer-friendly environment.”

“The signing of the Philippines – United States Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or the 123 Agreement is the first major step in this major regard, taking our cooperation on capacity-building further and actually opening the doors for US companies to invest and participate in nuclear power projects in the country,” Marcos said.

The 123 Agreement will establish a legal framework that allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.

The agreement will allow the Philippines to use US nuclear technology, not for war, but for energy security and climate goals.

The President noted that apart from the 123 nuclear deal, Meralco and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. also signed a cooperation agreement to undertake a Pre-Feasibility Study on Micro-Modular Reactors (MMRs) to explore clean and sustainable energy options in the country.

Under the agreement, a feasibility study will be conducted for the potential deployment of MMRs to Meralco sites to enforce the sustainable energy agenda and provide affordable and dependable access to power, particularly to the underserved and off-grid areas for economic empowerment.

“I know our companies are eager to advance discussions on potential projects. Just yesterday, the MOU (memorandum of understanding) between Meralco and Ultra Safe Nuclear Cooperation was also presented to me. So, I believe congratulations are in order for the work of our respective negotiating teams, especially to the team from the United States,” Marcos said.

“I look forward to seeing this agreement in action in the years to come. Nuclear energy is one area where we can show that the Philippines-US alliance and partnership truly works, for our peoples, our economies, and the environment.”

For the PNA story pertaining to energy and modular reactors, below is the excerpt. Some parts in boldface…

The historic nuclear cooperation deal between the United States and Philippines would allow the Philippines to secure US-developed nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.

Manila and Washington D.C. signed the civil nuclear cooperation deal, commonly known as a 123 Agreement, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco on Nov. 16 (US time).

The agreement will facilitate and enhance cooperation on clean energy security and strengthen the two nations’ alliance, the US State Department said.

“With access to US material and equipment, the US and the Philippines will be able to work together to deploy advanced new technologies, including small modular reactors, to support climate goals as well as critical energy security and baseload power needs within the Philippines,” it said.

The signing marks the successful culmination of the negotiation process launched by Vice President Kamala Harris during her trip to the Philippines in November 2022.

The deal, the State Department said, also spells out limitations on enriching, reprocessing, and transferring specific items without the other party’s consent.

“This agreement lays out a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the Philippines and United States based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and is required by US law to allow for the transfer of nuclear equipment and material for peaceful uses,” it said.

The name 123 Agreement is derived from Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, which requires the US to have an agreement with a country before it can conduct nuclear export.

Section 123 establishes nine nonproliferation criteria that 123 Agreements must include and signatories must uphold.

Last May, US nuclear energy firm NuScale Power Corporation has expressed interest to invest in the Philippines and bared its plan to conduct a study to locate a site in the country.

Oregon-based NuScale is known for developing a small nuclear power system, described as safe, modular and scalable.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about these recent developments? Can you imagine what a nuclear-powered Philippines would be like in the years to come? Are there still people in your local community who are afraid of anything related to nuclear power? Do you admire the efforts of the Marcos administration when it comes to modernizing the Philippines with nuclear technology and power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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