The Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing the bidding exercise that will set the production cost for pioneering nuclear power projects (NPPs) in the Philippines.
According to the proposed draft policy, the goal is to create a transparent and competitive system that secures reliable power supply not only for the first nuclear plants but also for future developments. The government targets a staggered delivery of nuclear capacity starting from 2038, in keeping with the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050. Under the plan, the country aims having at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032, expanding to 2,400 MW by 2035 and reaching 4,800 MW by 2050.
Recognizing that nuclear projects require large capital investments and long development periods, the framework will account for all stages including site preparation, licensing, construction, testing, and operation. In coordination with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the government will define the Nuclear Tender Threshold Price (NTTP). This price will cover all relevant costs such as construction, financing, fuel management, waste handling, insurance, security, and decommissioning, while also considering affordability for consumers and the reliability value of nuclear energy.
Qualified developers will bid based on this pricing framework. The terms of reference may also include provisions allowing successful bidders to request government support such as sovereign guarantees, subject to existing laws and regulatory approvals. Additionally, state-owned entities may be given the option to acquire up to 10 percent equity interest in project companies, though this will not automatically affect the validity of awarded contracts.
The policy also ensures that communities hosting nuclear facilities will receive benefits in compliance with existing energy regulations.
