MERALCO awaiting on regulatory nod on nuclear reactor

Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) is monitoring Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation’s progress in obtaining regulatory approval for micro-modular nuclear reactors, a development that could advance their collaboration in the Philippines.

In a report by Business World, MERALCO executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) Ronnie L. Aperocho cited delays in the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s approval process for Ultra Safe, attributing the holdups to the innovative nature of the technology.

Aperocho, however, expressed optimism that the regulatory hurdles would be resolved by early next year.

MERALCO previously signed an agreement with Ultra Safe for a pre-feasibility study on micro modular reactors as part of its exploration into nuclear energy.

In October, MERALCO also partnered with South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd. to collaborate on low-carbon energy projects and assess the rehabilitation of the dormant Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

The partnership aims to evaluate small modular reactors as a solution to increasing energy demands and as a step toward long-term energy sustainability.

Meanwhile, during a Senate Public Services Committee hearing, Senator Rafael T. Tulfo assigned bills seeking to extend MERALCO’s franchise by 25 years to a working group composed of officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) and MERALCO.

One such bill, filed by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, seeks to allow the distribution utility (DU) firm to continue operating its electric distribution systems in areas such as Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Rizal.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved a bill granting MERALCO’s franchise renewal, including a provision that makes the renewal effective four years before its current concession expires.

Aperocho said MERALCO is eager for Congress to approve the franchise extension early next year, which would accelerate its investment in capital-intensive projects such as grid digitalization and infrastructure upgrades.