Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is looking at ways to revive the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). The facility was completed in 1984 but never became operative due to safety and political issues. Meralco executive vice president and COO Ronnie Aperocho said a feasibility study is underway to assess the potential of the BNPP. The study is conducted in partnership with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and should be completed within this year. Meralco sees the potential revival of the BNPP as a key step in its nuclear energy strategic transition program aimed at ensuring a safe and responsible integration of nuclear power into the national energy mix.
Recently, the Filipino government outlined a roadmap to deliver at least 1,200 MW of nuclear capacity by 2032 and increase this up to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 MW by 2050. Following this plan, Meralco aims to build a full-scale greenfield nuclear power project and adopt the new technology of small modular reactors in cooperation with nuclear regulators. Earlier this year, the company also signed a memorandum of cooperation with Electricité de France SA to explore and pursue potential nuclear projects with the financial support of the French government.
