Philippines to host 2026 nuclear supply chain forum

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

The Department of Energy and the World Nuclear Association will hold an integrated nuclear supply chain conference in Manila on Oct. 20–21, 2026, positioning the Philippines as a regional platform for nuclear energy cooperation during its ASEAN Chairship year.

In a joint announcement dated July 1, the DOE and World Nuclear Association said the World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference 2026 and the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum 2026 will be convened as one event at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The partnership combines the global reach of the World Nuclear Association’s annual supply chain conference with the DOE’s regional platform for nuclear industrial cooperation.

The integrated event is expected to bring together policymakers, regulators, utilities, developers, reactor vendors, engineering and construction companies, manufacturers, suppliers, financiers, research organizations and international institutions as Southeast Asia advances plans for reliable, low-carbon and secure energy systems.

The DOE and World Nuclear Association said the combined conference will focus on policy-to-industry alignment, supply chain readiness, localization strategies, investment dialogue and business-to-business engagement across ASEAN and the wider global nuclear market.

Sama Bilbao y León, director general of World Nuclear Association, said: “The expansion of nuclear energy will be delivered through strong regional partnerships and resilient global supply chains. By partnering with the Philippines Department of Energy, we are creating a single platform that brings international expertise together with ASEAN’s priorities for industrial development, clean energy and energy security. This partnership will help turn ambition into practical collaboration across the full nuclear value chain.”

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said: “The Philippines is pleased to partner with World Nuclear Association to convene this integrated event in Manila. As ASEAN countries explore sustainable pathways to meet growing energy demand, cooperation on policy, skills, investment and supply chain capability will be essential. This forum will support constructive dialogue and practical partnerships that can help unlock opportunities for nuclear energy development in the Philippines, across ASEAN and beyond.”

The conference program will cover the practical requirements for moving from individual nuclear projects to broader nuclear programs, including industrial readiness, vendor development, project delivery risk, financing, localization and ASEAN supply chain integration.

Dedicated networking and business-to-business sessions will also be held to support collaboration between international suppliers and regional partners.

The conference comes as the Philippines assumes the rotating ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, with the government framing regional energy cooperation around energy security, green industries, emerging technologies and stronger regional systems. (ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)⁠)

The Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum is a DOE-led platform designed to connect government, industry and international partners as the Philippines develops the policy, regulatory, skills and industrial foundations needed for a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear energy program.

The DOE and World Nuclear Association said integrating the Philippine forum with the World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference 2026 will broaden international participation and strengthen links between global suppliers and regional opportunities.

The 2025 World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference in Poland drew 310 delegates from 196 companies across 27 countries, according to the announcement.

The previous conference reflected the growing need for cross-border cooperation as the nuclear industry prepares for a major expansion in new build, life extension and fuel cycle activity.

The World Nuclear Outlook Report cited in the announcement said global nuclear capacity could reach 1,446 gigawatts of electricity by 2050 if governments meet their national nuclear targets. (World Nuclear Association⁠)

The report also said 50 countries have plans for nuclear capacity to be in operation by 2050.

ASEAN nuclear capacity targets make up nearly a quarter, or about 24%, of newcomer nations’ ambitions, as countries assess nuclear energy as part of long-term strategies for energy security, industrial development and decarbonization.

The Philippines has been laying the groundwork for a possible nuclear energy program, with the International Atomic Energy Agency saying in December 2024 that the country had made significant progress in addressing most recommendations and suggestions from an earlier nuclear infrastructure review. (IAEA⁠)

The DOE has said the Philippines targets 4,800 megawatts of nuclear capacity in the power generation mix through 2040 under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050. (doe-parent⁠)

The World Nuclear Association is the international organization representing the global nuclear industry.

Its members are located in 44 countries and cover all aspects of the nuclear value chain, including all major reactor vendors, nuclear utilities providing 70% of world nuclear generation, and virtually all of the world’s uranium mining, conversion, enrichment and fuel fabrication companies.

Its membership also includes major nuclear engineering, construction and waste management companies; research and development organizations; and companies providing international services in nuclear transport, law, insurance, brokerage, industry analysis and finance.

More information on the conference is available through the World Nuclear Association events page.