The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), led by business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, has reaffirmed its corporate commitment to advancing nuclear energy in the Philippines through its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program. This development is part of Meralco’s broader goal to integrate nuclear power into the country’s long-term energy mix as a low-carbon, sustainable solution.
During a recent delegation to South Korea, Meralco signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) to launch its FISSION (Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering) program. Starting March 2026, Meralco will send Filipino scholars to KINGS, which offers hands-on nuclear engineering training backed by real-time plant data and field simulations.
The power distributor also expanded discussions with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) on smart grid modernization, advanced metering, data analytics, and grid resilience—further embedding nuclear and digital innovations in its future energy roadmap.
As part of its talent pipeline strategy, Meralco’s training arm, Meralco Power Academy (MPA), will host over 20 students from KEPCO’s Sudo Electric Technical High School in early 2026. This builds on an ongoing exchange program that has welcomed 71 South Korean students since 2023.
Further bolstering its nuclear ambitions, Meralco signed an MOU with DL Engineering & Construction to explore the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), especially for powering off-grid communities. Feasibility studies, site assessments, and strategic planning are now underway.
Site visits and dialogues with industry leaders such as Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), Samsung C&T, and LG Energy Solution—home to South Korea’s largest battery energy storage system—rounded out Meralco’s trip.
“Our strategic engagements in South Korea underscore our commitment to the responsible development of nuclear energy,” said Meralco executive vice president and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho. “By working with global leaders in nuclear operations, we are building the technical foundation necessary to ensure safe, sustainable energy solutions for the Philippines.”
Through NEST, Meralco is pursuing a multi-track evaluation of nuclear deployment options, cementing its role in shaping the future of the country’s power sector.
