BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Meralco Teams Up With U.S. Agency To Explore Nuclear Energy For Philippines' Future
Contributed Photo
The Philippines is taking a bold step toward a cleaner, more secure energy future, and Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is leading the charge.
Meralco, through its power generation arm Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), has secured a $2.8 million (P162 million) grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund a feasibility study for the adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the country. The grant was formalized during the U.S.–Philippine Civil Nuclear Energy Partnership Event in Makati City, with Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, and USTDA officials in attendance.
The funding will allow MGEN to study the viability, technology options, and potential sites for SMR deployment, kicking off the comprehensive SMR Adoption Study later this year. This initiative is part of Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which aims to integrate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon solution.
“Through the good graces of the U.S. government, we are laying the groundwork for responsible integration of nuclear into our overall fuel mix,” said Pangilinan. “This grant is more than funding—it is a vote of confidence in our vision, readiness, and capability to lead nuclear energy adoption in the country. We see this as the start of a long but necessary journey toward a secure energy future.”
USTDA’s Deputy Director Thomas R. Hardy emphasized the significance of the partnership, noting that safe and secure nuclear solutions can provide the Philippines with energy independence, while also leveraging trusted U.S. technologies and expertise in advanced SMRs. The collaboration will include technical evaluations, preliminary siting assessments, and a high-level roadmap addressing commercial, financial, and regulatory readiness.
For Meralco, the grant reinforces its position as a key driver of energy innovation, allowing the company to tap into global expertise and explore transformative opportunities for clean energy. By pairing local ambition with international experience, the Philippines moves closer to a low-carbon, reliable energy future that can meet growing demand while addressing climate goals.
Meralco, through its power generation arm Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), has secured a $2.8 million (P162 million) grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund a feasibility study for the adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the country. The grant was formalized during the U.S.–Philippine Civil Nuclear Energy Partnership Event in Makati City, with Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, and USTDA officials in attendance.
The funding will allow MGEN to study the viability, technology options, and potential sites for SMR deployment, kicking off the comprehensive SMR Adoption Study later this year. This initiative is part of Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which aims to integrate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon solution.
“Through the good graces of the U.S. government, we are laying the groundwork for responsible integration of nuclear into our overall fuel mix,” said Pangilinan. “This grant is more than funding—it is a vote of confidence in our vision, readiness, and capability to lead nuclear energy adoption in the country. We see this as the start of a long but necessary journey toward a secure energy future.”
USTDA’s Deputy Director Thomas R. Hardy emphasized the significance of the partnership, noting that safe and secure nuclear solutions can provide the Philippines with energy independence, while also leveraging trusted U.S. technologies and expertise in advanced SMRs. The collaboration will include technical evaluations, preliminary siting assessments, and a high-level roadmap addressing commercial, financial, and regulatory readiness.
For Meralco, the grant reinforces its position as a key driver of energy innovation, allowing the company to tap into global expertise and explore transformative opportunities for clean energy. By pairing local ambition with international experience, the Philippines moves closer to a low-carbon, reliable energy future that can meet growing demand while addressing climate goals.
Feb 18, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
