DOE readies distributors for nuclear power

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Department of Energy is preparing electricity distribution utilities for the possible integration of nuclear power into the Philippine grid, saying their technical, operational, and regulatory readiness will be critical to the country’s long-term energy security.

The DOE convened the fourth Nuclear Energy Workshop Series on July 2, 2026, in Clark, Pampanga, gathering hundreds of representatives from distribution utilities in the Ilocos Region and Central Luzon.

Officials from key energy agencies and members of the DOE-led Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee also joined the workshop.

The activity forms part of the government’s broader push to diversify the country’s energy mix and advance the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program.

Opening the workshop, Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, co-chairperson of the Nuclear Energy Program Coordinating Committee, said preparation for nuclear energy must involve the entire power sector.

“The successful integration of nuclear power goes beyond infrastructure. It requires informed stakeholders, strong institutions, and coordinated action across the entire electricity value chain,” Bacordo said in a press statement.

He said distribution utilities will be central to ensuring that future nuclear-generated electricity reaches consumers safely, efficiently, and reliably.

“Distribution utilities are at the forefront of power delivery, shaping demand, supporting system integration, and engaging directly with consumers. Their readiness will be essential as we prepare the country’s power sector for the future adoption of nuclear energy,” he added.

The workshop aimed to deepen the understanding of institutional, regulatory, technical, and infrastructure requirements for the safe deployment of nuclear power in the Philippines.

Through expert presentations, technical discussions, and stakeholder engagement sessions, participants reviewed the operational responsibilities of distribution utilities as the country’s nuclear energy program advances.

DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino said distribution utilities must prepare for the eventual entry of nuclear-generated baseload capacity into the power system.

“Distribution utilities will play a crucial role in ensuring grid readiness for nuclear-generated baseload capacity. This includes coordinating system planning with the DOE and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, preparing for power flow and voltage management requirements, protecting consumer interests through transparent implementation, and continuously strengthening technical capabilities through capacity-building and nuclear safety awareness initiatives,” Aquino said.

Participants also received updates on the country’s evolving nuclear governance and regulatory framework.

Health Physicist Darcy De Asis of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Device Regulation, Radiation Health and Research presented Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.

The law provides a legal framework for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards in the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the Philippines and establishes an independent nuclear regulator.

The press release identified the new body as the Philippine Atomic Energy Agency, or PhilAtom, while the published law refers to the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority.

Atty. Maria Christine Ching-Gotera of the DOE Legal Services discussed Department Circular No. 2025-10-0019.

The circular establishes the framework for integrating nuclear energy into the country’s generation mix to implement the Clean Energy Scenario under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050.

Ching-Gotera discussed the circular’s key provisions, implementation mechanisms, and implications for the power distribution sector.

The workshop also allowed distribution utilities to share operational insights, raise concerns, and recommend policy improvements.

The DOE said it will use the inputs to strengthen implementation strategies and keep the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program responsive to the needs of the power sector.

The Nuclear Energy Workshop Series is part of DOE efforts to build technical capacity across the electricity industry, promote informed stakeholder participation, and strengthen institutional readiness for a safe, secure, peaceful, and responsible nuclear energy program.

The Philippines adopted a national position for a nuclear energy program under Executive Order No. 164, signed on Feb. 28, 2022, which mandated the DOE to develop and implement the program as part of the Philippine Energy Plan.

The DOE has also reaffirmed a 2032 target for nuclear power as part of the country’s long-term energy planning.

Previous NEWS sessions were held virtually with stakeholders from Cebu, Legazpi, Iloilo, and Davao.

The DOE said succeeding workshops will engage more distribution utilities and energy stakeholders nationwide.

“Preparing our power sector today means preparing Filipino consumers for a future powered by reliable, secure, and sustainable electricity. Through collaboration, capacity-building, and public trust, we are laying the foundation for the responsible adoption of nuclear energy as part of a resilient and diversified Philippine energy future,” Aquino said.