Philippine government officials and private sector leaders are currently in Canada for a week-long trade mission aimed at bolstering the country’s efforts to incorporate nuclear technology into its energy portfolio.
In a report by the Philippine Star, Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Sharon Garin expressed the delegation’s aspiration to tap into Canada’s extensive experience in utilizing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, particularly in electricity generation.
She also highlighted Canada’s diverse energy mix, with a nuclear energy prevalence in some regions while hydro and natural gas dominate in others, as a valuable learning opportunity for the Philippines in pursuit of energy security and affordability.
The DOE has integrated nuclear energy into the country’s power mix as outlined in the drafted Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023 to 2050. The clean energy scenario of the PEP envisions the incorporation of nuclear energy, targeting capacities of 1,200 megawatts (MW) by 2032, 2,400 MW by 2035, and 4,800 MW by 2050.
The DOE is also set to release a nuclear energy roadmap soon.
Among the private sector representatives is Aboitiz Power Corp. Head of Energy Transition, Felino Bernardo, who emphasized the trade mission’s objective to glean insights from Canada’s nuclear energy program.
Canada is cited as a global leader in nuclear technology, with extensive experience dating back to the 1950s and ongoing advancements in small modular reactor (SMR) development.
Bernardo asserted the importance of diversifying the Philippines’ generation technologies to sustain economic growth and social development. He emphasized the need for a gradual and thorough understanding, preparation, and capability development to ensure the safe, reliable, and cost-effective integration of nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.
