Manila Electric Co.(Meralco) officially launched its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program on Thursday, aimed at advancing innovation in the country’s evolving energy landscape.
The strategic partnership aims to support the Philippine government’s goal of achieving long-term energy security by exploring the potential integration of nuclear power into the country's energy mix.
Nuclear energy should be a part of the solution to the energy challenges in the future. Those opposing nuclear power for safety reasons should already set aside these fears as empirical evidence shows nuclear power plants are safe.
Coal powers 61.9 percent of the country’s electricity, with 80 percent of that coal being imported. This reliance has made the Philippines the most coal-dependent nation in Southeast Asia, resulting in electricity rates reaching P11 per kilowatt hour — the second highest in the region.
Manila Electric Co. and South Korea’s Samsung C&T Corporation Engineering & Construction Group have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines.
Meralco, the Philippines' largest electric distribution company, has tapped foreign universities as knowledge partners for its nuclear energy initiative.