U.S. vows more support to advance Phl nuke push

The United States is taking a more hands-on role in advancing the Philippines’ nuclear energy ambitions, actively backing Manila’s plans to develop a civil nuclear program.

At a media briefing on Monday, Ann K. Ganzer, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary (PDAS) at the US State Department, said the assistance is being delivered through the department’s Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Technology program, which helps 50 countries build responsible nuclear energy programs.

“The United States is here to support the Philippines every step of the way,” Ganzer said, citing energy security as both a national and geopolitical priority.

The latest support package includes a $1.5 million nuclear reactor control room simulator that will give Filipino students hands-on training in operating nuclear plants.

It also covers a $2.5 million public-private partnership with the Philippine American Educational Foundation, Fulbright Philippines, TESDA, and U.S. private sector firms Boites Power and EOS Corporation. Ganzer clarified that the funding for this partnership will be shared and not shouldered solely by the United States.

The partnership will develop specialized curricula for vocational and higher education institutions to train the country’s nuclear workforce.

Additional initiatives will enable Philippine legislators to join a 2026 study tour in the United States to examine nuclear regulatory and policy frameworks, while the U.S. Trade and Development Agency will support feasibility studies and reverse trade missions for potential small modular reactor deployment in the Philippines.

Separately, the United States committed to fund a $2.7 million feasibility study for Manila Electric Co. to assess the deployment of U.S.-designed SMRs.

The study will evaluate leading U.S. technologies, identify viable sites, and outline a high-level roadmap for implementation.

“When finalized, this work will provide a pathway for the deployment of safe and secure advanced U.S. nuclear technologies that will deepen ties between our two countries for decades to come,” Ganzer said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the U.S. support is critical to building the country’s nuclear workforce, strengthening institutional readiness, and advancing planning for safe SMR deployment.

“These agreements strengthen institutional readiness, expand technical capabilities, and reinforce responsible planning. Truly, the Philippines is moving forward with clarity and caution: preparation precedes construction, and competence precedes deployment,” Garin said.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050, the Philippines aims to develop at least 4,800 megawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2050.