Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is ramping up its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program through new agreements with leading South Korean institutions, signaling its deepening push to prepare the Philippines for nuclear power integration.

A key highlight of Meralco’s recent engagements in South Korea was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Meralco Power Academy (MPA) and the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS). Under the deal, Meralco will begin sending Filipino scholars to KINGS by March 2026 as part of its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program, designed to build a highly skilled nuclear workforce.

Established by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), KINGS provides specialized nuclear engineering training, offering access to simulators, plant data, and industry-based learning experiences.

“Our strategic engagements in South Korea underscores our commitment to the responsible development of nuclear energy. By partnering with global leaders with deep institutional knowledge, technical expertise and actual experience in operating nuclear facilities, we are building our own capabilities to ensure sustainable and safe adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho.

Meralco also expanded talks with KEPCO on modernizing grid infrastructure, including advanced metering, automation, and distributed energy resource integration, while reaffirming its joint initiatives on capability-building. MPA is set to host over 20 students from KEPCO’s Sudo Electric Technical High School in early 2026, continuing an exchange program that has brought 71 students to the Philippines since 2023.

Meralco has inked an agreement with DL Engineering & Construction to explore Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the country, covering feasibility studies and site assessments for potential deployment—particularly in off-grid areas.

The company also held technical visits and strategic talks with Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP), Samsung C&T Corporation, and LG Energy Solutions, whose Namwon facility hosts South Korea’s largest battery energy storage system.

“The insights and best practices we’ve gained will help us in our thrust to contribute to the development of the energy industry, and more importantly, to support our country’s long-term energy security in a way that prioritizes the welfare and wellbeing of every Filipino,” Aperocho said.

Through its NEST program, Meralco continues to pursue a multi-track approach that examines viable pathways for nuclear deployment as a long-term low-carbon solution for the Philippine power mix.

What do you think—can SMRs and global partnerships position the Philippines for a secure nuclear future? Join the discussion. 

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community to stay up to date on the latest energy news.