Meralco considers deploying micro nuclear reactors in 14 sites

MANILA  – Power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is considering deploying nuclear reactors in 14 potential sites in the country that have been identified by the Department of Energy (DOE), according to company chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho.

Speaking to reporters earlier this week, Aperocho said “it would be best” to align with the DOE on the specific locations for the deployment of US-based developer Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp.’s (USNC) reactors.

The DOE has yet to disclose the list of the potential sites and its selection criteria, noting only that the selection process would be was compliant with the National Policy and Strategy for Safety on Nuclear Energy that is being drafted by the agency.

This came after Meralco formally partnered with USNC to conduct a four-month prefeasibility study to assess how its micro modular reactors could be utilized locally.

READ: Meralco signs deal with US firm to explore nuclear power

According to Meralco chair and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan, the reactors will ideally be placed in island provinces and cities.

“It must meet geologic conditions so let’s see. Let’s wait for the results of the prefeasibility study. But we can disperse the deployment of modular technology in an archipelago like the Philippines so we don’t have to build conventional power plants that are big,” Pangilinan told reporters.

Micro modular reactors have a power capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW) per unit and are ideally built in smaller areas, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said.

While Pangilinan did not disclose the exact investment needed for the study, he hinted that it was “less than $1 million.”

He added that USNC may deploy its reactors in the Philippines within five to 10 years.

READ: Meralco unit joins other PH firms looking into nuclear power

USNC describes its modular system as composed of transportable modules, including the nuclear reactor, that link together at the site, thus allowing deployment to any place needing electricity.

The technology is being licensed in Canada and the United States, and demonstration units are scheduled for first nuclear power in 2026, USNC said in its website.

Asked whether he was optimistic about the results of USNC’s prefeasibility study, Pangilinan said he could not prejudge the findings but pointed out that the developer already had two existing plants that could serve as proofs of concept.

According to the IAEA nuclear installation safety division, a proof of concept is required for modular reactors to demonstrate the “effectiveness of the fundamental safety functions,” including reactor control and confinement of reactivity.