The agreement was signed by Meralco executive vice president and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho and Samsung C&T president for global operations Jungwook Kim during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum, held alongside South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s recent state visit.
The MOU outlines cooperation between Meralco and Samsung C&T to explore technical design, regulatory frameworks, and energy infrastructure needs for nuclear projects.
Both companies will also investigate the possibility of a pilot project and the development of nuclear power plants in the Philippines.
Samsung C&T brings international expertise in nuclear energy and construction, with a focus on large nuclear plants and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
“Our collaboration with Samsung C&T is a strategic move that cements our commitment to take an active role in contributing to the Philippine government’s efforts to integrate nuclear energy in the country’s future power supply mix,” Meralco chair and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.
“As we collectively work on the safe and secure adoption of this next generation technology, we remain focused on our ultimate goal of ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the Philippines,” Pangilinan added.
The MOU follows a Philippines-South Korea agreement to study the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, marking a significant step in the country’s nuclear energy aspirations.
