The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is approaching its nuclear energy plans with caution amid uncertainties surrounding the development of international small modular reactor (SMR) projects.

With global SMR technology still in its early stages, any local adoption will hinge on meeting strict regulatory and safety requirements, making careful monitoring and evaluation a key part of the company’s approach.

In an interview with reporters, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said that while the first wave of SMRs could be operational by 2030, timelines remain uncertain.

“We will wait for the results of the pilot. If it’s okay, it will be guided by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) framework. We will look at the feasibility,” he said, referring to a project currently underway in Romania.

Strict screening

“Hopefully, okay, but maybe the queue will be long because other tech companies are also looking into it. But under the PhilATOM bill, there is a requirement that the first-of-a-kind technology will have to run for at least 2 years without any incident before we can adopt it here in the Philippines,” he added. 

Meralco is using a United States Trade and Development Agency grant to scan global SMR technologies and identify which would best fit the Philippines under its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition program.

“There will be technology scanning…to see what is the best technology today. SMR technology adopted in the Philippines should match that technology,” Aperocho said.

In a separate interview, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin noted that private firms will drive most nuclear financing, with government support dependent on feasibility studies, while the country continues to rely on IAEA guidance for training, safety oversight, and regulatory support in shaping its nuclear roadmap.

“We still have many undecided issues in nuclear, but the interest is still there,” she said, pointing to ongoing Korean feasibility studies and site evaluations.

Several major Philippine power players — including Aboitiz, Meralco and San Miguel — are actively exploring nuclear projects. Garin added, “They all want to go nuclear…some of these will join forces to develop nuclear power.”