The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has signed a cooperative agreement with American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) looking into the possible deployment of one or more micro-modular reactor (MMR) nuclear energy systems in the Philippines.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit in San Francisco, California and builds on the partnership first announced last August.
Under the agreement, USNC will conduct a four-month pre-feasibility study to familiarize Meralco with MMR systems and how these can be effectively used in the Philippines.
Meralco has the option to conduct a more detailed feasibility study focusing on the adoption and deployment of MMR energy systems.
Meralco said the study will help the company in critical decisions and in future project-specific studies and development plans.
“USNC is changing the nuclear safety and energy security conversation in the Philippines with these micro-modular reactors. This agreement moves us forward with a partner who understands these important issues alongside the essential nature of the cost and reliability of the electricity supply,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement.
Pangilinan said the partnership is part of Meralco’s move to explore and use diverse energy sources to meet the country’s growing demand for energy and the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Francesco Venneri, USNC founder and chief executive officer, said the MMR nuclear technology will help create a reliable, low-carbon, equitable and energy secure future for the Philippines.
Earlier, Meralco launched its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program to develop the country’s pool of technicians through education and field training in nuclear engineering.
