Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco), along with Meralco Power Academy (MPA), recently visited Université Paris-Saclay (UPS) and top nuclear institutions in France to discuss possible collaborations on capacity building and knowledge sharing in a bid to advance its nuclear energy strategic transition (NEST) initiative.
Filipino alumnus of UPS Master of Nuclear Engineering Dee Jay Cerica, Filipino student of UPS Master of Nuclear Engineering Ronah Rollan, Professor and Coordinator of the Master Nuclear Energy Prof. Anne-lise Gloanec, UPS Head of Partnerships and International Outreach Sébastien Cartier, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Edgardo V. Carasig, Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet, Meralco Vice President and Head of Business Development Andrew Jason B. Tan, and MPA Executive Director Ian Chester V. Colorina during the power company’s visit in Paris.
Meralco tapped UPS to be a partner institution for its Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program, through which the power company aims to cultivate the next generation of strong innovators in the field of nuclear energy by enhancing the competencies of Filipino energy professionals. FISSION is part of its proactive stance to integrate nuclear power in the country’s energy portfolio.
Through MPA, Meralco targets to send FISSION scholars to UPS by next year.
During the visit, Meralco and MPA also engaged several French government research and industrial institutions such as the Électricité de France, Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety, and The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission among others to explore potential partnerships on knowledge sharing on nuclear energy.
Through its NEST initiative, Meralco aims to ensure the highest standards of safety, economic feasibility, and long-term sustainability of nuclear energy, alongside the company’s commitment to providing a stable, reliable, and sustainable energy future for the Philippines.#
