The Department of Energy confirms that interested investors and developers may already submit nuclear energy project proposals, though full government guidelines are still being finalized. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin shared this update at the Philippine International Nuclear Energy Forum in Taguig City, noting strong private sector interest and hoping formal applications can be received by 2027. Submission is allowed at this stage, but clear guidance will be essential to ensure all proposals align with national goals, safety standards, and community needs.
Two key considerations will shape how projects move forward: public acceptance from communities near proposed sites, and whether local power grids can safely handle added capacity, particularly in energy hubs like Bataan and Batangas. A South Korean government-funded feasibility study on the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant has been turned over to authorities, outlining options ranging from refurbishing the existing facility to building an entirely new one, though results remain confidential at this time.
Alongside project development, the DOE is prioritizing workforce readiness — a foundational requirement for any safe, successful nuclear program. It is launching a career awareness program for high school and university students across participating institutions, connecting learners with industry professionals to build the skilled workforce the sector will need. The national nuclear roadmap targets 1,200 megawatts of capacity by 2032, growing to 4,800 megawatts by 2050, goals that depend just as much on trained professionals as they do on investment and infrastructure.
