Manila Electric Company (Meralco), through Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), has taken a significant step toward diversifying the country’s energy mix after securing a $2.8-million (approximately ₱162 million) grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to study the viability of deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines.
The grant will fund a comprehensive SMR Adoption Study that will assess technology options, identify a preferred design, and conduct preliminary site evaluations. The initiative forms part of Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which aims to position nuclear power as a long-term, low-carbon solution to enhance energy security.
Through USTDA’s technical assistance, MGEN will gain access to advanced U.S.-developed SMR technologies and world-class expertise. The study is expected to produce a shortlist of reactor designs suited to the Philippine market, alongside a high-level implementation roadmap assessing commercial, financial, and regulatory readiness.
“USTDA is proud to lead the U.S. government’s efforts to develop strategic infrastructure projects that both our countries have prioritized,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA Deputy Director, noting that safe and secure nuclear solutions offer strong potential for energy independence.
For Meralco, the grant reinforces its push to explore transformative energy technologies in partnership with global institutions.
“This grant goes beyond funding—it signals strong support from the United States for our vision and readiness to lead the adoption of nuclear energy,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, Meralco Chairman and CEO.