PH may have nuclear energy by next decade

MANILA  -Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower) is set to further explore nuclear power development and diversify its portfolio, after its top official announced that it planned on signing a nondisclosure agreement with a US-based developer.

AboitizPower president and CEO Emmanuel Rubio confirmed to reporters on Thursday that they were already in “early discussions” with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., which is also a partner of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.’s Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc.

Rubio admitted, however, that actual development would not start until the next decade, owing to the lengthy licensing process that companies need to undergo.

“I don’t think a single private sector entity will be able to do it (nuclear development) outside any government participation. Maybe around 2030 we can seriously consider nuclear an option,” he said.

Ultra Safe, established in 2011, specializes in micro modular reactors and other nuclear power technologies for space exploration. Apart from the United States, Ultra Safe also plans on deploying its projects to Canada and Europe.

Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) had also signed a nondisclosure agreement with Ultra Safe for its possible foray into nuclear development, as earlier disclosed by Meralco chair Manuel Pangilinan.

AboitizPower previously announced that it was also in talks with NuScale Power LLC to pursue alternative sources of power, apart from co-firing ammonia on coal plants and hydrogen on liquefied natural gas facilities, to reduce carbon emissions.

READ: Aboitiz in talks with experts on compact nuclear reactors

READ: US firm plans to build small nuclear power plants in PH

It had also hinted at a “regular discussion” with Rolls-Royce, a luxury automobile maker that has diversified to other businesses, to develop small modular reactors (SMRs).

Nuclear power currently does not contribute to the Philippine energy mix, since the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was never loaded with fuel since its completion in the 1980s.

While private sector developers raised concerns on safety standards in nuclear development, Rubio remained optimistic.

“Nuclear should always be an option for the country. I think when it becomes available, it’s going to be an economically feasible solution that’s not emitting carbon dioxide,” he said.

At the recent Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council in Cebu City, President Marcos said that the country could explore nuclear energy and SMRs as “viable options for low or zero-carbon energy sources.”

READ: Bongbong Marcos eyes nuclear energy to avert possible PH power crisis