The Philippine government is moving to establish new nuclear agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Argentina to strengthen its push for nuclear energy investments.
In an exclusive interview with the Manila Bulletin, Energy Undersecretary Sharon S. Garin confirmed that preliminary discussions with both countries are underway, laying the groundwork for formal cooperation on nuclear development.
Garin stated that negotiations with the UAE will focus on clean technology collaboration, which may extend beyond nuclear power to include renewable energy and natural gas.
The UAE’s Nawah Energy Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-run Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), operates the 5,600-megawatt (MW) Barakah nuclear power facility, which plays a key role in the country’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
Meanwhile, Argentina has been a pioneer in nuclear energy in Latin America, with operational plants such as the 362-MW Atucha 1, the 656-MW Embalse facility, and the 693-MW Atucha 2 reactor.
These planned agreements will expand the Philippines’ existing nuclear partnerships, which already include the United States, Canada, South Korea, and Hungary.
While forging international alliances, the Department of Energy (DOE) is also working on domestic regulatory frameworks, site assessments, and investment policies to ensure the successful integration of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.
The government is also evaluating power supply agreement structures to address investor concerns and encourage long-term commitments to nuclear development.
With these nuclear partnerships, the Philippines aims to secure a stable and sustainable energy future. For updates on industry developments, follow Power Philippines.