Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has pulled the plug on its partnership with American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (Ultrasafe) due to setbacks that have delayed their development of micro-modular nuclear reactors (MMRs).

Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho confirmed to reporters the decision last week, citing Ultrasafe’s failure to secure a key regulatory permit and ongoing financial challenges as the main reasons for the decision.

“Ultrasafe did not get the regulatory permit, which is very important, and they faced financial issues, causing even more delays,” Aperocho said.

As a result, Meralco is now focused on finding new partners in the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) space. Aperocho said the company is in talks with both American and non-American firms and hopes to lock in a deal this year. 

SMRs, with capacities of up to 300 MW, are significantly larger than MMRs, which can only generate up to 10 MW.

SMR by 2030

Due to delays, Meralco has also adjusted its nuclear power timeline. Originally aiming for a 2028 launch, the company now expects a nuclear source by the end of 2030.

“Having a nuclear power source by 2028 seems unlikely now, but the good news for SMR is that in Romania, it might be ready by the end of 2030. At least that one will be tested, and it will be the first-of-a-kind SMR. Based on that, we’ll decide how to move forward,” Aperocho said.

However, Aperocho emphasized that the timeline depends on the passage of the nuclear energy bill, which is currently stalled in Congress. He stressed that the bill is essential for allowing the deployment of first-of-a-kind nuclear plants, which must meet strict safety standards.