Valar Atomics develops Phl’s first nuke prototype

American firm Valar Atomics Research Institute is developing a micro high-temperature gas reactor in the Philippines under a partnership with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) — the first of its kind in the country.  

Valar Atomics president Kip Mock said in an interview with reporters the initiative, which involves an investment in the "tens of millions of dollars," will assess the feasibility of small-scale reactors as a potential solution for providing baseload power to remote islands.  

“We think it's really important to develop this technology here. It is not something that hasn't been built and tested before, but it is the first time this type of reactor has been built in the Philippines. We are demonstrating the core physics at a very small scale, so there's extremely low risk,” Mock said.  

Mock did not disclose the construction timeline and location but confirmed that licensing procedures with PNRI are ongoing. “We will work as quickly as we can while maintaining all standards of safety, safeguards, and security,” he said.  

Aside from PNRI, the company is also working with the Philippine Nuclear Science and Technology Foundation, and local universities, starting with Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, to advance nuclear technology and develop local expertise.  

Although nuclear energy development in the Philippines remains in its early stages, Mock underscored the need to strengthen the grid. He cited infrastructure limitations and regulatory approvals as key challenges but remained optimistic about the project’s potential.  

Valar Atomics’ prototype construction follows the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (123 Agreement) between the Philippines and the United States, which took effect last year. 

The 123 agreement provides a legal framework for the US to export nuclear materials, equipment, and components while enabling the transfer of nuclear research and technology, with a shared commitment to nonproliferation.  

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the government aims to introduce 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032, expanding to 2,600 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050.