Philippines to advance talks with nuclear power giants

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines wants to take its nuclear energy ambitions to the next level, aiming to seal “concrete partnerships” with global powerhouses such as China and Russia.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to stage the second Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) next month, bringing together leaders and experts from the United States, China, Russia, France, Finland, Hungary, Japan and the United Arab Emirates.

The DOE said these countries are globally recognized for their “extensive experience in nuclear technology, infrastructure and regulation.”

“Last year’s forum laid the groundwork for meaningful engagement between the Philippines and the international nuclear community. This year’s edition will advance those conversations into concrete partnerships and strategies to strengthen nuclear supply chains,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

According to the DOE, PINSCF 2025 aims to deepen global partnerships to ensure nuclear safety while supporting the Philippines’ goal of integrating nuclear energy into its power mix by 2032.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country wants to have at least 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032 and scale it up to 4,800 MW by 2040.

The Philippines is turning to nuclear power to ensure energy security while advancing its carbon reduction initiatives and climate targets, the DOE said.

“By convening global leaders in the nuclear supply chain, the Philippines is signaling its readiness to engage at the highest level and ensure that its path to nuclear energy development is guided by world-class expertise and safe, sustainable practices,” Garin said.

Last year, the landmark “123 agreement” between the Philippines and the US entered into force, enabling the transfer of equipment, components and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production.

The US remained the world’s leading producer of nuclear power at the end of 2023, followed by China and France, data from the International Atomic Energy Agency showed.