KHNP, a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and Korea’s largest power generator, brings decades of nuclear expertise, while KEXIM, the state-owned export credit and financing agency, will help explore funding options for potential nuclear projects in the Philippines.

The collaboration will support Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program through joint studies on reactor design, engineering, and regulatory frameworks. The partnership also aims to build local capability via training programs, employee exchanges, and technical knowledge-sharing initiatives to ensure long-term operational readiness.

Beyond technical expertise, the three organizations will work together on early-stage project development, including public acceptance programs, site selection studies, and project planning—key steps in assessing the feasibility of nuclear power in the Philippines.

Financial collaboration is also a focus. KEXIM will examine financing structures and credit facilities to support Meralco’s future nuclear projects alongside KHNP and other Korean partners.

“Nuclear energy offers the Philippines a way to diversify its power sources, strengthen energy security, and reduce vulnerability to fuel price fluctuations. Working with KHNP and KEXIM gives us access to global expertise and helps us study technology, business models, and financing options in detail. This MOU is a critical first step in our nuclear energy journey,” said Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan.

The proposed project, which may rise on a 20-hectare site within APECO, forms part of priority investments under the agreement signed on January 17, 2026 by APECO President and CEO Atty. G. Taway IV and Ally Power Head of Business Development in Asia Ed Travis at the agency’s headquarters in Casiguran, Aurora.

APECO said the planned facility is being studied as a long-term solution to Aurora’s energy reliability challenges, a key factor in attracting new locators and sustaining ecozone growth.

The MOU sets a framework for collaboration on clean energy, power generation, and related infrastructure projects, allowing both parties to conduct technical evaluations and planning while final project terms remain subject to separate agreements and regulatory approvals.

Any future power supply arrangement will comply with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and Energy Regulatory Commission rules.

Ally Power will lead technical and investment studies, while APECO will facilitate coordination within the ecozone in line with its mandate to promote sustainable economic development.

Travis said the company aims to support infrastructure development, job creation, and academic partnerships in Aurora, alongside its initial planned investment. The firm is also exploring a partnership with the Aurora State College of Technology to establish a Clean Energy Center of Excellence focused on green energy skills training.

The ceremonial switch-on was led on December 18, 2025 by Meralco executives—Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz, and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) President Jeffrey O. Tarayao—alongside Department of Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Energy Regulatory Commission Chair Atty. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, Quezon Governor Dr. Angelina D.L. Tan, and Mauban Mayor Erwin Dwight C. Pastrana.

“We celebrate the fulfillment of a promise that progress should reach every Filipino home. This project is a testament to what can be achieved when government, regulators, and the private sector work hand-in-hand for the greater good,” Meralco COO Aperocho said.

Timed with the Christmas season, Meralco—through its corporate social development arm, One Meralco Foundation—also brought holiday cheer to the island by lighting up the Our Lady of Fatima Chapel. OMF further distributed 100 Noche Buena packages to families, 300 Balik Eskwela kits with school supplies to students, and donated five printers and 12 laptops to barangay offices and schools.

Designed to provide 24/7 electricity to more than 1,000 households and businesses, the Cagbalete Microgrid is poised to become the largest microgrid system in the Philippines once it reaches full build-out capacity within the next three years.

Beyond improving energy access, the project is expected to achieve 100% household-level electrification on the island and deliver renewable energy that could offset up to 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—supporting environmental protection while advancing the country’s sustainable energy goals.

The project reflects ongoing collaboration among Meralco, DOE, and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) under the Microgrid Systems Act and its implementing rules and regulations. The ERC will next determine electricity rates to ensure that power remains affordable for Cagbalete residents and businesses.
“I wish to recognize Meralco for stepping forward as the Microgrid System Provider. The responsibilities outlined in the agreement—design, construction, operation, billing, maintenance, guaranteed dependable capacity, and 24/7 electricity delivery to all current and future households—are not light commitments. They reflect strong confidence in the mission and readiness to support communities that rely on us for progress,” said NAPOCOR President and CEO Jericho B. Nograles.

Upon full build-out, the Cagbalete Microgrid is set to become the largest microgrid system in the Philippines, featuring a 2.8 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, a 6.69 MWh battery energy storage system, and four 0.25 MW diesel backup units over the next three years. This hybrid setup is designed to provide 24/7 electricity to over 1,000 residential and commercial customers, as well as essential facilities on the island.

Targeted for operation this December, the project will achieve 100% household-level electrification for Cagbalete Island while delivering renewable energy capable of offsetting up to 42,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—a major step toward the Philippines’ sustainable energy goals.

“With the launch of the Cagbalete Microgrid, we reaffirm Meralco’s commitment to power progress with sustainable energy solutions, ensuring that no one is left in the dark,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and COO Ronnie L. Aperocho. “This is more than electricity—it’s about bringing light, joy, and hope to our fellow Filipinos in Cagbalete. Through this collaboration, more households will have a brighter Christmas, and soon, the entire island will benefit from stable and reliable electricity that powers their lives for the better.”

Itron, a global leader in energy and water resource management, empowers utilities and cities in over 100 countries with its innovative smart networks, software, meters, and sensors designed to deliver safe, reliable, and data-driven infrastructure services.

Building a smarter, more responsive energy system

The partnership represents a key phase in Meralco’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) program, which aims to create a more intelligent, responsive, and customer-centric energy system. The initiative aligns with the Philippines’ digitalization and sustainability goals by enabling real-time insights and operational efficiency.

“We are proud to be part of Meralco’s smart grid journey,” said John Marcolini, Itron’s Senior Vice President of Networked Solutions. “Our scalable Gen5 solution is transforming how Meralco delivers, measures, and manages electricity. It’s designed to support multiple meter brands—giving Meralco flexibility to scale and reduce costs while future-proofing its infrastructure.”

Smart solutions for a digital energy future

Itron’s AMI solution, part of its Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio, uses an open, IPv6-based network that integrates Gen5 mesh and cellular technologies. This foundation supports advanced capabilities such as smart metering, distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicle integration, and enhanced outage management.

Through this deployment, Meralco will enable two-way, near real-time communication between its operations and customer endpoints—allowing faster outage detection and restoration, improved billing accuracy, and greater transparency in energy consumption.

The initial rollout will manage 73,000 endpoints across Metro Manila, with a multi-year plan to expand coverage to the rest of Meralco’s franchise areas.

Empowering customers through technology

“This collaboration is pivotal in our AMI journey,” said Ronnie L. Aperocho, Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “With Itron’s Gen5 solution, we are laying the foundation for a smart grid that enhances customer experience, supports the digital economy, and builds a more sustainable power future for the Philippines.”

Commitment to energy resilience and sustainability

Serving over 8 million customers, Meralco continues to invest in smart technologies and grid innovations that strengthen network resilience, improve service reliability, and empower consumers with better energy management.

The Meralco–Itron partnership underscores the company’s broader commitment to advancing the country’s energy infrastructure, ensuring that Filipinos benefit from a reliable, efficient, and future-ready power system.

The facility, developed through a collaboration with the Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), utilizes advanced greenhouse-type solar drying technology.

This innovation is poised to enhance the quality of dried seaweed, ensuring it meets the rigorous standards of both domestic and international markets.

Designed specifically for the seaweed sector, the solar dryer integrates research-based methods that demonstrate the superiority of greenhouse drying over traditional techniques.

Products dried using this technology are proven to be healthier and of higher quality, supporting the competitive positioning of Philippine seaweed in global markets.

The primary beneficiaries of this initiative are the Marcilla Seaweed Growers Association (MSGA) and the Calamianes Seaweed Marketing Cooperative (CSMC).

Beyond the facility, KIPA and KIPO have committed to providing branding support, including logo design and brand messaging, to strengthen the market presence of these organizations.

“This partnership with KIPA and KIPO, now in its fourth year, exemplifies the synergy between innovation and community development,” said MIMAROPA Regional Director Rodolfo Mariposque.

The regional director thanked the Korean government and its people for their unwavering support in promoting intellectual property protection and enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

Mariposque also called on stakeholders to join in creating a sustainable and prosperous future for MIMAROPA’s communities.

The ceremonial turnover was graced by key figures, including Yeon Hayoung of KIPA, Doyum Kim of Shinhan A-tec, Gio Kisang of Fenomeno, MSGA Chairman Rolando Lizando, and CSMC Chairman Laurencio De Lima, alongside other stakeholders.

This project follows the success of the DTI MIMAROPA’s first solar-powered initiative—the fish processing facility in Bogtong, Busuanga—highlighting the department’s commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions that drive regional economic growth.

DTI and its partners are fostering such initiatives to position MIMAROPA as a model of resilience, sustainability, and global competitiveness in agricultural and aquaculture industries.

CIP became the first developer to submit a comprehensive pre-development ECC, and eventually also the first to obtain the certificate. The ECC will enable CIP to initiate offshore geotechnical works and geophysical surveys for its 1GW San Miguel Bay Offshore Wind Project in Camarines Sur. These activities are crucial in determining the design and layout of the proposed offshore wind farm.

An ECC is a requirement for all renewable energy projects, including offshore wind, to ensure adherence to the Philippines’ environmental rules and regulations as well as alignment to global industry standards. The award follows the successful deployment of state-of-the-art scanning and vertical Light Detection and Ranging devices (LIDARs) in its project sites in Camarines Sur last May.

“We are very pleased to announce the issuance of the ECC for our pre-development activities. With this in place, we have initiated offshore site surveying, a critical step in advancing the project’s development,” said Rune Damgaard, Offshore Wind Co-CEO of Copenhagen Offshore Partners (COP), CIP’s investment vehicle in the Philippines.

CIP lauds the continuous partnership between the DENR and the Department of Energy (DOE) in ramping up the exploration and development of offshore wind projects. In February, DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to simplify the issuance of ECCs for offshore wind energy projects.

More recently, another memorandum has been signed between the two agencies to provide energy developers access to offshore areas that are available for wind power exploration. CIP welcomes this move as a catalyst in derisking foreign investment on offshore wind projects.

“This pre-development environmental clearance issued by the DENR moves CIP’s offshore wind development efforts forward while ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations,” said Secretary Lotilla. “DOE’s service contractor, CIP, can now proceed with exploration and pre-development activities that are essential in jump-starting the growth of offshore wind in the country and contribute to achieving the Philippines’ long-term energy security objectives,” he said.

Danish Ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin said that he is “happy and proud” that CIP has been awarded the first offshore wind pre-development ECC in the Philippines. “Wind power is one of the ways the government can bring abundant, affordable, and reliable way to every Filipino and ensure continued growth and prosperity for the nation,” said Ambassador Mellbin. “Working closely together, CIP, the government and international partners will continue to help streamline the necessary approvals and certificates that will allow this and other critical wind power projects to go on-line, in-time,” he added.

Aside from the ECC, CIP’s San Miguel Bay project has also been recognized with a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance (CEPNS). DOE Executive Order No. 30 qualify EPNS as major energy projects that align with the policy thrusts and specific goals of the Philippine Energy Plan. Furthermore, EPNS are expected to contribute significantly to economic development and environmental protection and to entail complex technical processes and infrastructure requirements.

“Additionally, we have been granted the CEPNS from the DOE, further solidifying our strong collaboration and shared commitment to realizing offshore wind energy in the Philippines,” said COP’s Damgaard.

According to CIP, the recognition of the San Miguel Bay project as an EPNS is crucial in helping the project expedite the development and construction of the grid infrastructure with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) needed to evacuate energy from the offshore windfarm.

CIP is working to sustain the momentum of its achievements with continued collaboration with the national government agencies and local stakeholders by sharing its expertise in port architecture, logistics, financing and having bankable Power Purchase Agreements. A critical component of offshore wind development will be the construction and operation of marshalling port and making sure a viable Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) for offshore wind pushes through in mid-2025.