EXECUTIVES of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) are set to meet with their counterparts in Valar Atomics LLC following technological developments in positive small modular reactors (SMR).
Meralco Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho confirmed they will be meeting Valar Atomics ‘in the next few days because of very positive developments in the SMR technology’ of the nuclear reactor startup.
‘But of course, we’re open to discuss other SMR technologies,’ added Aperocho who stressed that Meralco is exploring multiple SMR technology providers rather than limiting itself to one.
SMRs are designed to generate electricity at a lower capacity than traditional nuclear plants. One SMR produces about 300 megawatts (MW) to 450MW.
The Meralco official said the Pangilinan-led firm will not allow the country to serve as a testing ground for unproven technologies.
‘We are monitoring the progress of SMR deployments and the proven operating experience. We don’t want the Philippines to become a guinea pig when it comes to SMR. So we have to look into, I would say, the track record of our potential partners in terms of SMR adoption,’ he said.
Aperocho cited key considerations for SMR adoption. These are regulatory and policy readiness; safety and acceptance; life cycle cost; and technology track record.
‘We will be aligning with the Philippine nuclear policy in terms of licensing and, of course, the institutional capability. We will definitely adhere to international safety standards, and we have to build public confidence in nuclear technologies,’ he said.
‘We have to look into life cycle costs relative to other base load and renewable options,’ said the Meralco official, adding that technology maturity and global track record should be considered.
Meralco’s ‘Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering’ program, Aperocho added, is designed to build a highly skilled local workforce ahead of the country’s transition to nuclear power.
‘As we look forward to the graduation of the rest of our scholars in Canada, France, Korea, and China, we are already preparing for their reintegration into our nuclear adoption program as we monitor the exciting developments in the SMR technology happening nowadays,’ he added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the ‘World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference 2026’ and the ‘Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum 2026’ will convene into a single event in Manila on October 20 to October 21, 2026.
The conference will focus on scaling regional nuclear projects into full programs by addressing delivery risks, financing, supply chain readiness, and international business collaboration.
‘The Philippines is pleased to partner with World Nuclear Association to convene this integrated event in Manila. As Asean [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] countries explore sustainable pathways to meet growing energy demand, cooperation on policy, skills, investment and supply chain capability will be essential,’ Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
‘This forum will support constructive dialogue and practical partnerships that can help unlock opportunities for nuclear energy development in the Philippines, across Asean and beyond,’ Garin added.