The Manila Electric Co (Meralco) and South Korea’s Samsung Corporation Engineering & Construction (Samsung C&T) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Manila. The forum took place during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to the Philippines earlier in October.
“Through this MOU, Meralco stands to gain a comprehensive understanding of the critical aspects of nuclear energy development that will ensure that our future decisions are well-informed and aligned with international best practices, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L Aperocho said in a statement cited by PhilStar. “This aligns well with Meralco’s continuous efforts to work with global knowledge and technology partners to help us in our transition towards more diversified and sustainable energy sources.”
Under the MOU, Meralco and Samsung C&T will share technical design capabilities for nuclear technology, as well as on the prevailing regulatory framework, energy landscape, and necessary grid infrastructure. They may also include a pilot demonstration project for nuclear power.
Meralco Chairman & CEO Manue Pangilinan said “Our collaboration with Samsung C&T is a strategic move that cements our commitment to take an active role in contributing to the Philippine government’s efforts to integrate nuclear energy in the country’s future power supply mix.”
The MOU followed an agreement between the Philippine Department of Energy and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) whereby KHNP will conduct a feasibility study on the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
