Giga Summit 2025

Last week at the biennial Giga Summit, one of the standout moments was Meralco’s unveiling of its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program- a bold step toward a secure and sustainable energy future for the Philippines. The launch of NEST highlights the potential of vision, collaboration and government support in transforming the country’s energy landscape.

In his speech during the event, Meralco chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan described NEST as the company’s flagship initiative to incorporate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon energy solution.

Under the NEST program, Meralco is exploring several strategic approaches. One of these is initiating large-scale greenfield projects through partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Nuclear Energy Agency and nuclear operators from France and South Korea. Meralco is also looking at exploring the potential deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in collaboration with the United States. The company is also studying the feasibility of rehabilitating the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

The launch of NEST comes two years after Meralco introduced its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program during the first Giga Summit in 2023. Through FISSION, five scholars were sent abroad to study nuclear engineering, laying the groundwork for a new generation of local nuclear experts.

This deliberate and phased approach to exploring the integration of nuclear energy in our country’s power supply mix ensures due diligence in assessing all aspects of such a bold initiative responsibly.

From engagements and partnerships with international nuclear agencies and authorities to sending young Filipino engineers to study nuclear science abroad, Meralco is working toward building the necessary infrastructure for our own energy security.

These initiatives are not just timely, they are essential. With energy demand continuously rising coupled with the threat posed by climate change, the need for reliable, low-carbon solutions have become imperative for the country. The adoption of nuclear energy provides a viable path toward a sustainable energy future where Filipinos can utilize cleaner and cleaner power supply at lower costs.

Counties such as France, South Korea and the US have successfully integrated nuclear in their energy portfolio, showcasing proven models of how nuclear can contribute to a reliable, low-carbon energy mix. Yet, despite these, the word “nuclear” still stir worry among people, and understandably so. Disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima still linger in public consciousness.

However, fear should not paralyze progress. We should not be hindered from innovating and working towards our shared goal of a safe, secure and sustainable energy future for all.

Rather than allow fear to hold us back, we should channel these concerns into action. This very fear stopping us should instead drive us to demand for a comprehensive policy framework from the government for the adoption of nuclear energy, regulatory readiness, the highest safety standards, transparency, and consistent public engagement.

The path towards a secure and sustainable energy future must be open, inclusive, and transparent.

After all, energy security is not just the responsibility of a chosen few, but a shared national endeavor.

It should be approached holistically to ensure that it serves as an enabler of economic growth and social progress.

Meralco’s proactive efforts to learn and partner with international nuclear agencies and authorities show commitment on the part of the company to ensure safety in the adoption of this technology. Through this, the company is laying a foundation rooted in global standards, which is critical as we chart our own course toward a secure and sustainable energy future.

Admittedly, the concept of nuclear energy and the policies that surround it seem all too complex for many Filipinos. This is why it is important to hold conversations such as the Giga Summit to bring together policymakers, industry experts, the regulator, the academic community, and private companies to lay down the groundwork for real-world action and impact.

Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho reiterated this during his speech, “Giga Summit 2025 is not just an event – it is a strategic convergence of power and intelligence. It brings together innovators, regulators, investors, and technocrats to sustain the momentum that we need to move the Philippine power industry forward.”

The path towards a sustainable energy future is riddled with challenges. But with strong public-private collaboration, continuous knowledge-sharing, and active community participation, we can move forward from dialogues to truly achieving energy security.

The time to act is now, for the future generations to inherit an energy landscape we can be proud of- clean, sustainable, resilient and inclusive.