The Department of Energy is inviting engineers, scientists, government professionals, and other energy sector stakeholders to join the first batch of its Nuclear Energy Awareness Training (NEAT) 2026 as the government ramps up preparations for the possible entry of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.

The training, organized by the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) Subcommittee on Human Resource Development in collaboration with the DOE and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, will be held from June 9 to 11 at the DOE office in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

According to the agency, the training will provide “foundational knowledge on nuclear energy, including safety, security, policy, and its role in supporting national development and long-term energy security.”

The DOE said the program is designed for professionals and stakeholders interested in advancing their expertise in the energy sector as the Philippines explores nuclear energy as part of its broader energy security and transition strategy.

The Philippines has been accelerating preparatory work for a potential nuclear energy program, including studies on the possible deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs), cooperation agreements with foreign governments, and efforts to establish a legal and regulatory framework for nuclear energy development.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050, the government is targeting the introduction of at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity by 2032, with planned expansion to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050 as part of efforts to strengthen long-term energy security and diversify the country’s power mix.

The government is also pursuing the rehabilitation assessment of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant while working with international partners such as the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency on capacity building, policy development, and workforce readiness.

Energy officials have repeatedly cited nuclear power as a potential source of stable baseload electricity that could help address long-term supply security concerns, rising power demand, and the country’s decarbonization goals.

The DOE said slots for the training are limited and subject to screening by the NEP-IAC Technical Secretariat. Applicants must also submit a recommendation letter from their immediate supervisor or head of office, agency, or company.

Registration is free of charge and will remain open until June 2, 2026.

Interested participants may register through this link.

NEAT forms part of the government’s broader capacity-building efforts for the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program. In October 2025, the NEP-IAC gathered more than 150 participants from universities, the private sector, civil society, and government agencies for the third leg of the training program in Taguig, highlighting growing stakeholder interest in the country’s planned nuclear rollout. 

Previous NEAT sessions covered topics such as nuclear plant site selection, radiation protection, nuclear safety, safeguards, and the regulatory framework for licensing and operations.

What are your thoughts on the Philippines’ push to develop a nuclear-ready workforce? Should the country accelerate nuclear capacity development as part of its energy transition strategy?

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