^{In photo: (L-R): Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Anne K. Ganzer, USTDA Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Thomas R. Hardy, and Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez.}

Manila Electric Company, through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), has secured a USD 2.8-million grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to fund a feasibility study on deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines, marking a concrete step in its push to integrate nuclear power into the country’s long-term energy mix.

The grant, equivalent to about PHP 162 million, will support a comprehensive study to be undertaken by MGEN. The study will assess the technical and commercial viability of SMR deployment, identify a preferred technology, and evaluate potential sites for development. It is targeted to begin within the year.

“USTDA is proud to lead the U.S. government’s efforts to develop strategic infrastructure projects that both our countries have prioritized,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “Safe, secure, and safeguarded nuclear solutions offer tremendous potential for energy independence. Our funding will advance Meralco’s nuclear energy program, strengthen America’s nuclear industrial base and position trusted U.S. technologies as the foundation for the Philippines’ energy future.”

The funding formalizes early-stage groundwork for nuclear project development at a time when the Philippines is seeking firm, low-carbon capacity to complement intermittent renewables and reduce exposure to imported fossil fuels.

The grant was formalized during the U.S.–Philippine Civil Nuclear Energy Partnership event in Makati City, attended by Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and U.S. officials.

The study forms part of Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which aims to integrate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon solution. Beyond technology screening, the SMR Adoption Study is expected to deliver a high-level implementation roadmap covering commercial, financial and regulatory readiness, along with phased timelines and milestones toward potential project development.

“This grant goes beyond funding – it is a demonstration of support from the United States for our vision, our readiness, and our capabilities to lead the adoption of nuclear energy,” Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said. “It simply is right for the country to think nuclear and Meralco is prepared to act as though leader in that regard. We look forward to the progress this collaboration will bring – and to a secure energy future we will build together.”

According to project details, the study will tap American expertise in advanced nuclear technologies, including a technical review of U.S.-developed SMR designs. The output is expected to include a shortlist of reactor technologies suited to the Philippine market and preliminary siting assessments.

MGEN currently has a combined net sellable capacity of 5,079.2 megawatts from traditional and renewable sources as of January 2026, based on company data. The SMR study could inform how nuclear capacity might eventually complement its existing coal, gas and renewable portfolio.

What are the key regulatory, financing and grid integration hurdles that must be addressed before SMRs can become viable in the Philippine market? Join the discussion.

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