Regulators will begin accepting licensing applications for nuclear power plant construction by next year as they push toward an operational plant by 2032.

Speaking in an interview, Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said the Department of Energy (DoE) has made significant progress in nuclear energy preparations, completing key regulatory, legal and emergency preparedness reviews.

Philippines one of most advanced on preparations

“We’ve made headway on the preparatory side. The Philippines is probably one of the most advanced in the region,” she said.

By next year, the government expects to be ready to grant licenses for nuclear projects.

“We’re preparing and studying who will offtake the power, who will buy it. With that announcement, all the private companies are interested,” she said, citing Meralco, Aboitiz, and GNPower.

2032 target

She emphasized that to meet the 2032 target, construction must begin by 2028.

“If we say four years [for construction], then by 2028 we should be ready to build. That means we have to be prepared from today,” she added.

Garin said the country’s nuclear energy framework is progressing despite pending legislative requirements. A new law governing nuclear power is still under Senate discussion after passing the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute is preparing to oversee regulations in case of delays.

“They’re assessing their capacity and powers, so if adjustments are necessary, they will be ready for next year,” she explained.

The government is also reviewing existing laws and international treaties on nuclear power, with some awaiting Senate ratification.

Potential nuclear plant sites

The DoE has evaluated multiple potential nuclear plant sites but has yet to finalize a location. “We’ve assessed areas like Bataan, Bulacan and Batangas, as well as locations in the south such as Masbate and Palawan,” Garin said.

While many sites meet technical criteria — such as safe distances from fault lines and volcanoes — she said the agency is being cautious in naming specific locations to avoid public concern.

For Visayas and Mindanao, the DoE is considering sites in Western Visayas and western Mindanao, including parts of Zamboanga.

However, Palawan, despite its geological stability, faces challenges due to its lack of grid connectivity.

With site assessments ongoing and regulatory preparations in place, Garin expressed confidence that nuclear plant construction could begin by 2028, keeping the 2032 target on track.