As the Philippines searches for long-term solutions to its growing energy needs, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has turned to nuclear power — and France — for answers.

The country’s largest power distributor confirmed over the weekend that it has entered into a strategic partnership with state-owned Electricité de France SA (EDF) to assess the feasibility of deploying nuclear energy in the Philippines. The agreement followed Meralco’s termination of its partnership with American nuclear technology firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.

Under a two-year memorandum of cooperation, EDF will provide technical and strategic support to Meralco for a feasibility study covering site activities, power system integration, and the economic viability of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix.

“One of the Philippine government’s key objectives is to achieve greater energy security for our country and nuclear power is one viable path toward that goal. We see this cooperation as a significant first step for Meralco, and we are committed to taking a leadership role in advancing nuclear energy in the Philippines. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with France in this crucial area,” Meralco chairperson and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

Significant first step

EDF will also deliver customized training sessions on nuclear reactor technology and project management and extend assistance and services to Meralco to implement a potential nuclear program in the Philippines.

The tie-up includes joint efforts to identify funding opportunities, including support from the French government.

“Through this important first step — and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with you — we hope to make real progress at your site as well. This is the beginning of what we envision as a remarkable, long-term journey, one that could span the next hundred years,” said EDF senior vice president for international nuclear development Vakisasai Ramany.

The EDF partnership builds on Meralco’s engagements with Université Paris-Saclay and other top French nuclear institutions through the company’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition initiative.

Meralco and the Meralco Power Academy earlier partnered with Université Paris-Saclay for its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program, which aims to strengthen the competencies of Filipino professionals in the nuclear energy field.

The company has also engaged with several French government research and industrial institutions, including the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, for potential knowledge-sharing partnerships.