The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) power generation arm Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) has received a $2.8 million (about P162 million) grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support studies on bringing nuclear energy to the Philippines.
The funding will be used to conduct a comprehensive study on the possible deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), a newer type of nuclear technology designed to be smaller and potentially safer than traditional plants. The study, set to begin this year, will assess whether SMRs are viable in the Philippines, identify the most suitable technology, and determine possible sites for future projects.
The grant marks a key step in Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which aims to include nuclear power in the country’s energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon solution. The study will also provide a shortlist of U.S.-developed SMR technologies that could work best in the Philippine setting.
In addition to technical evaluation, the project will outline a high-level roadmap covering commercial, financial, and regulatory requirements, as well as proposed timelines for potential development.
USTDA deputy director Thomas R. Hardy said the funding reflects U.S. support for strategic energy infrastructure projects and could help strengthen energy security for both countries. The initiative is also expected to open opportunities for U.S. companies to participate in the Philippines’ clean energy development.
Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan described the grant as a strong vote of confidence from the U.S. government and a starting point for what he called a necessary long-term journey toward nuclear energy adoption.
The company said the move reinforces its position as a key player in energy innovation, as the Philippines looks for more stable and cleaner power sources to ensure long-term energy security.
