The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed having signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aboitiz Power Corp. and the National Power Corp. (NPC) to conduct comprehensive studies on potential nuclear power plant sites across the Philippines, including the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
Announced Wednesday, the collaboration aims to follow International Atomic Energy Agency standards by evaluating site suitability, safety, regulations, and infrastructure. It supports the country’s Nuclear Energy Plan, which targets adding at least 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032, rising to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050.
DOE director Patrick Aquino noted the agreement is open to other firms, not just Aboitiz. He added the proposal was first submitted last year and aligns with the government’s push for clean, secure, and sustainable energy.
Separately, Meralco is already working with South Korean experts on a study to assess rehabilitating and operating the BNPP, which has remained unused since the 1980s. NPC currently manages the BNPP facility, along with offgrid power plants, island transmission systems, and watersheds nationwide.
