The Department of Energy (DoE) is bullish on accepting nuclear power plant license applications as early as next year to stay on track toward its 2032 target of integrating nuclear energy into the country’s power mix.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said Thursday that the plan will be implemented through the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority, created under the newly signed Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.

Comprehensive framework

The law provides a comprehensive framework for the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and establishes the nuclear body as an independent agency to ensure compliance with international safety and security standards.

Complementing the law is Department Circular No. DC2025-10-0019, which formally integrates nuclear energy into the national power generation mix and supports the Philippine Energy Plan’s Clean Energy Scenario.

Stepping collaboration with IAEA

To put these policies into action, Garin said the DoE is stepping up its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other nuclear-embarking countries to boost technical expertise and regulatory readiness.

The DoE and the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) have also held IAEA-led workshops on project financing and global best practices.

She stressed that trust and transparency remain central to the country’s nuclear roadmap, noting that growing public support from surveys in 2019 and 2024 reflects confidence in the government’s commitment to develop nuclear power safely and responsibly.

Still, she said continued public engagement is vital to sustain that trust as the program moves forward.

Garin shared these updates during the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris, a global platform for innovation and collaboration that allows the Philippines to strengthen partnerships and learn from international best practices in nuclear development.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050, the country targets to develop at least 4,800 megawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2050.