Philippines targets first nuclear power by 2032

The Philippines aims to deliver its first nuclear-generated kilowatt-hour by 2032 as the Department of Energy (DOE) shifts from groundwork to implementation on its nuclear roadmap.

DOE Director Patrick T. Aquino, who heads the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) technical secretariat, said the committee is moving to execution with the 2032 target as its benchmark for initial power production.

Aquino identified 2026 as a turning point focused on reinforcing institutional readiness, technical credibility, and public trust.

“This will be crucial in laying the foundation for a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy future,” he said.

The update was presented at the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2025 in Manila, which gathered regulators, industry players, and policymakers from the United States, South Korea, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Argentina.

The International Atomic Energy Agency continues to support the Philippines in addressing 19 nuclear infrastructure issues across six NEP-IAC subcommittees, including regulation, safety, and waste management.

A follow-up IAEA mission in December 2024 reported that nine of 14 recommendations from 2018 had been resolved, with five still being addressed.

Among recent milestones is Republic Act No. 12305 or the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) Act, which provides the legal backbone for nuclear governance.

Public support is strengthening, with a nationwide Social Weather Stations survey showing more than 70 percent of Filipinos believe nuclear can deliver reliable electricity, reduce dependence on imported fuel, create jobs, and help curb climate change.

Aquino said lessons from countries with operating nuclear plants are vital to the Philippine pathway.

“We will continue to strengthen the ties we have forged in the two forums as we work toward achieving a clean, reliable and secure energy future for the country,” he added.

The DOE emphasized that advances in nuclear technology are making generation safer, more efficient, and cost-competitive, positioning it as a long-term baseload option that can lower greenhouse gas emissions.