DTI eyes Canada nuclear energy cooperation

VANCOUVER, Canada — The Department of Trade and Industry met with Canadian engineering and nuclear technology firm AtkinsRéalis on July 2 to explore potential cooperation in civil nuclear energy, engineering services, and long-term project development.

The meeting was held as the Philippines moves to diversify its energy mix, strengthen energy security, and support its clean energy transition goals.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque and Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go met with AtkinsRéalis executives on the sidelines of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official working visit to Canada.

The cabinet-level discussion focused on prospective technologies that may be safe, commercially viable, and suitable for the Philippines’ long-term energy requirements.

AtkinsRéalis is a Montréal-headquartered engineering services and nuclear company with more than 40,000 professionals globally.

Through Candu Energy Inc., the company provides nuclear engineering, technology, licensing, project planning, project financing support, supply chain localization, and major project execution services.

The company presented its CANDU EC6 nuclear reactor technology as one possible option for the Philippines as the government evaluates technologies for a civil nuclear energy program.

In a press release, Roque said continued dialogue with experienced technology providers would help the Philippines assess solutions that can support industrial expansion and long-term energy security.

“Reliable and affordable energy is essential to industrial growth. As the Philippines studies nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, we welcome AtkinsRéalis’ interest in sharing its proven engineering and nuclear technology expertise with the country,” Roque said.

Go likewise highlighted the potential for AtkinsRéalis to contribute its global expertise as the Philippines strengthens its regulatory and institutional frameworks.

Discussions covered potential areas of cooperation across the nuclear value chain.

These areas included regulatory readiness, project development, licensing and engineering support, workforce training, and human capital development.

CANDU technology uses natural, unenriched uranium and heavy water.

According to the company, 31 commercial CANDU reactors have been built globally in countries such as Canada, Argentina, China, Romania, and South Korea.

The technology is also used in major refurbishment and life-extension projects.

The Canadian CANDU technology also promotes its role in producing nuclear isotope byproducts that can be used for life-saving medical treatments.

The talks come as the Philippines continues to study nuclear energy as a possible source of baseload power amid growing electricity demand and concerns over the country’s reliance on imported fuels.

The government has been assessing nuclear power as part of a broader strategy that includes renewable energy, grid modernization, and private-sector investment in clean and reliable power supply.

The Philippine government reaffirmed its readiness to support strategic investors through investment facilitation mechanisms.

These mechanisms include the Green Lane for Strategic Investments under Executive Order No. 18.

The DTI, through the Board of Investments and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Toronto, will continue coordinating with relevant agencies and stakeholders to support follow-through discussions.

Also present during the meeting were Ambassador Victor Chan-Gonzaga of the Embassy of the Philippines in Canada and Trade Commissioner Mario C. Tani of PTIC-Toronto.

AtkinsRéalis was represented by Richard Robinson, president for Asia, Middle East and Australia, and Savalaxs “Sara” Supa-Amornkul, director for business development. (DTI)