Meralco advances micro modular reactor feasibility study

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), in partnership with the US-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC), has initiated a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the potential for micro modular reactors (MMR) in the Philippines.

The move, according to Meralco Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, aims to explore the implementation of MMRs as a safe and innovative energy solution.

In a recent press briefing briefing, Aperocho highlighted the importance of the study.

“On the formal feasibility study, we will need to deep dive more on the financial safety and other very important parameters as well as on the site-specific study like where do we install these micro modular reactors.”

He confirmed that the full-scale feasibility study would take about six months to complete, with significant progress already underway.

Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan elaborated on the preliminary findings, which identified five potential sites for further geological study to ensure safety.

“What’s important is that given the circumstances around nuclear in this country, it is important that we start today with a fairly modest proof-of-concept plan,” Pangilinan said, aiming to establish a demonstration plant that could be operational well before 2028.

In November 2023, Meralco and USNC signed a cooperative agreement to study the potential deployment of MMR energy systems in the country. The initiative reflects Meralco’s strategic vision to enhance energy accessibility and sustainability through advanced nuclear technologies.

An MMR, often referred to as a “nuclear battery,” can provide up to 45 megawatt thermal of high-quality heat, which, according to Meralco, could be pivotal in meeting diverse power requirements across the country.

These units can work in concert to produce electric power or superheated steam from a centralized heat storage unit to support a range from tens to hundreds of megawatts.

Highlighting the educational component of the initiative, Pangilinan revealed that Meralco is sending five engineers to a two-year graduate program abroad to cultivate local nuclear energy expertise. This educational effort is part of Meralco’s Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering program launched last September.

The introduction of MMR technology in the Philippines is part of a broader strategy to ensure sufficient, affordable, and reliable energy across the nation, particularly during peak demand periods.

Meralco is also working closely with the Department of Energy and other policymakers to navigate the regulatory landscape and establish a viable framework for the adoption of this cutting-edge technology.