MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expressed confidence in the advancement of the country’s nuclear energy initiatives under interim Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, citing her previous leadership of the Department of Energy’s (DoE) nuclear energy division.
“With her leading the department, we believe the nuclear agenda will move forward,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting.
Secretary Garin was recently appointed as officer-in-charge of the DoE following a Cabinet reshuffle initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Her predecessor, Raphael P.M. Lotilla, was reassigned to head the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“Although we haven’t had a formal discussion yet, we believe nuclear energy will be among her top priorities,” Aperocho added. “With the upcoming opening of Congress, we’re hopeful that nuclear power will take center stage.”
The Department of Energy aims to integrate nuclear energy into the country’s power grid by 2032. Current efforts are focused on aligning with international safety standards.
Meralco is also anticipating the passage of legislation that would establish an independent nuclear regulatory body, which is expected to be deliberated when Congress resumes in June.
As outlined in the country’s nuclear energy roadmap, the government plans to achieve 1,200 megawatts (MW) of nuclear power capacity by 2032, scaling up to 2,400 MW by 2040, and reaching 4,800 MW by 2050. A legal and regulatory framework to support these goals is targeted for completion by 2025.
Meralco is majority-owned by Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., which is partly owned by PLDT Inc.
