The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) late on Monday bared falling behind the Department of Energy (DOE) and its program initially identifying 14 areas suitable as nuclear energy development sites for micro-modular reactor (MMR) nuclear energy.
A week earlier, Meralco and the American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. agreed to a joint pre-feasibility study on MMRs exploring clean and sustainable energy options for the energy sector.
The study will enable Meralco to estimate the environmental and social impact, capital expenditure and operational costs, among others, related to the siting, construction, and operation of one or more MMR energy systems in the Philippines.
Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco chief operating officer, said the DOE has already initially identified 14 areas that could host the technology.
Depending on the results of the pre-feasibility study, Meralco has the option to conduct a more detailed study with focus on the adoption and deployment of MMR energy systems.
Meralco said such will help the company in identifying prospective sites as it will similarly assess financial, technical, safety and siting considerations of the project.
Meanwhile, Jose Ronald Valles, Meralco first vice president and head of regulatory management office, said six power supply generators with total capacity of over 3,000 megawatts have submitted expressions of interest to participate in Meralco’s competitive selection process (CSP) for 1,800 MW worth of electricity.
Meralco is seeking 1,800 MW worth of electricity it needs by December 2024 and bidders have until 26 December to submit offers.
Among those interested are GNPower Dinginin of the Aboitiz Group, First NatGas Power of First Gen Corp., SP New Energy as well as Mariveles Power Generation, Excellent Energy Resources and Masinloc Power Partners that are all under San Miguel Corp.
Capacities offered are from coal, natural gas and solar.
