U.S. establishes Manila as headquarters for Southeast Asia civil nuclear expansion

(Photo: iStock)

To improve power infrastructure, the Philippines is incorporating nuclear energy into its energy transition plans and set to become a base for the U.S. Civil Nuclear Work Group in Southeast Asia. Meralco, the largest power distributor in the region, is optimistic about the prospects of nuclear energy and currently conducting feasibility studies, aiming to complete its first micro nuclear power plant within four years.

During the sixth Indo-Pacific Business Forum held at the end of May, the Philippines and the United States signed cooperation agreements. Both parties agreed, with the assistance of the U.S. government, to train nuclear energy personnel and operate nuclear power plants in the Philippines. The Department of Energy of the Philippines and the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF) will jointly provide scholarships and plan exchange programs.