Benise Balaoing

A maintenance technician walks along the central control room of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in Morong, Bataan on Friday. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Energy- Nuclear Plant

Alvin Elchico

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- Meralco and the Department of Energy are going ahead with plans to introduce nuclear power into the country&#x27;s energy mix. </p><p>Meralco Executive Vice President Ronnie Aperocho said the company is sending 10 more employees as scholars abroad to learn more about nuclear.</p><p>Aperocho said the company is getting ready to construct nuclear power plants, be it a small modular reactor or a bigger traditional nuclear plant like the one in Bataan. Aperocho said current technology is far safer than older nuclear setups.</p><p>He said the earliest that a nuclear plant could be set up in 2032, considering that a regulatory and safety framework must first be set up before the actual construction begins.</p><p>Meanwhile, Meralco is sending more personnel abroad to learn about nuclear technology. </p><p>Engineer Amiela Nicodemus has been working with Meralco for 7 years as a distribution engineer. When she heard about being shortlisted by management to study nuclear energy abroad, she grabbed the opportunity to become a scholar.</p><p>She is currently enrolled in a 2-year Master of Engineering in energy systems with focus on renewable and nuclear energy at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in Chicago.</p><p>Nicodemus said she is excited about the prospects of the Philippines when it comes to nuclear energy, vowing to continue to work with Meralco as the company embarks on its journey to go nuclear soon.</p><p>Meanwhile, Department of Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin said the Philippines is ready to start construction of a nuclear facility after passing the first phase of requirements set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EwBvnBCj5qI?&amp;t=5s&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div><p>With the passage of the regulatory framework bill now pending in Congress, the Philippines may start the construction phase, according to Garin.</p><p>Garin said the remaining requirements for the second phase can be complied with during the construction period.</p><div><strong>BATAAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT</strong></div><p>South Korean experts are also coming over to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in January to begin the study of the mothballed plant and determine whether it can be used again or construct a new one instead.</p><p>The Philippines had earlier signed an agreement with South Korea to check the feasibility of reviving the 620-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant erected in the 80s during the Marcos Sr. administration but has never generated power.</p><p>According to Garin, the South Korean experts will be ready with their recommendation by mid-2025.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/10/7/korea-to-fund-feasibility-study-of-bataan-nuke-plant-revival-1408" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Korea to fund feasibility study of Bataan nuke plant revival: DOE</a></div><p>But the Power4People coalition Convenor Gerry Arances questions the government&#x27;s push for nuclear insisting that additional power needs can be filled by more renewable energy sources.</p><p>Arances said he wonders why the Philippines should invest in nuclear energy when it&#x27;s not cheap compared to renewable energy, considering that the country has an abundant supply of sun, wind and water to generate cleaner energy.</p><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NCDqQBRq7tY?&amp;ab_channel=ABS-CBNNewsautoplay=1&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>The energy department and power distributor is preparing for the use of nuclear energy in the Philippines.</p>

The energy department and power distributor is preparing for the use of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

Meralco, DOE preparing for nuclear energy

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Business

Meralco, DOE preparing for nuclear energy

Alvin Elchico,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 19, 2024 05:12 PM PHT

Read More:

ABSNews

ANC promo

nuclear energy

nuclear power

DOE

Meralco

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.