The Philippines’ plan to introduce nuclear power will depend less on installed-capacity targets than on whether proposed projects can deliver affordable electricity, meet local demand, and satisfy stringent safety requirements, nuclear and energy experts said.
At a media roundtable, experts cautioned that adopting nuclear technology, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), requires more than identifying potential sites and securing investors. Developers must first establish where electricity is needed, how much capacity consumers require, and whether they can afford the resulting power costs.
“The Philippines needs reliable electricity at a cost that allows its industries to grow,” said Aaron Green, president and chief executive of US-based EōS Organization.
“We should begin by understanding where the demand is, how much power is required, and what consumers can afford.”
SMRs could serve industrial estates, data centers, and other energy-intensive businesses seeking dependable power supplies. But their potential applications do not automatically translate into commercially viable projects, particularly given the substantial capital requirements and technical demands of nuclear development.
The government is targeting 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050.
Felino Bernardo, head of strategic energy transition at Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), said these targets would require detailed technical and financial assessments to determine whether projects can be built safely and generate electricity at competitive costs.
MGEN is conducting an SMR feasibility study supported by a USD2.8-million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency, with completion targeted for late 2027.
Former Philippine Nuclear Research Institute director Carlo Arcilla said nuclear power could complement renewable energy by providing electricity regardless of weather conditions, potentially helping stabilize supply as the country expands solar and wind generation.
He stressed, however, that technology selection must be matched with suitable sites, scientific assessments, and effective regulatory oversight.
The experts also pointed to the need for international partnerships and stronger domestic commercial and regulatory capabilities.
For the Philippines, the test is whether nuclear power can move beyond long-term capacity projections to become a safe, dependable, and financially sustainable source of electricity.
