PAVING THE WAY FOR NUCLEAR ENERGY ADOPTION. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) have formalized a grant agreement to support a feasibility study for the adoption of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines. In photo during the ceremonial signing held during the U.S. – Philippine Civil Nuclear Energy Partnership Event in Makati City are (L-R): Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin, Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Anne K. Ganzer, USTDA Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Thomas R. Hardy, and Ambassador of the Philippines to the United States Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES 18th February 2026 – In a bold step toward shaping the Philippines’ clean energy future, Manila Electric Company (Meralco), through its power generating arm Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN), has received a grant from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to support its efforts for a safe and responsible adoption of nuclear energy for long-term security.
Through the $2.8 million (P162 million) technical financial assistance, MGEN will conduct a study on the viability for small modular reactor (SMR) deployment in the Philippines, and identify a preferred technology and sites for development. The comprehensive SMR Adoption Study is targeted to start this year.
The USTDA grant is a significant milestone in advancing Meralco’s Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition (NEST) program, which aims to integrate nuclear power into the Philippine energy mix as a long-term, low-carbon solution.
This will also enable Meralco to tap into American expertise in nuclear energy, giving it access to world-class insights and a comprehensive technical review of advanced U.S.-developed SMR technologies, including a comprehensive evaluation of available SMR options that will result in a shortlist of designs best suited for the Philippine market, and preliminary siting assessments to identify potential locations for future deployment.
In addition, this is expected to deliver a high-level implementation roadmap assessing commercial, financial, and regulatory readiness, and outlining phased timelines and milestones toward project development.
“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’s Deputy Director. “Safe, secure, and safeguarded nuclear solutions offer tremendous potential for energy independence. Our funding will advance Meralco’s nuclear energy program, strengthen America’s nuclear industrial base and position trusted U.S. technologies as the foundation for the Philippines’ energy future.” USTDA’s support opens doors for U.S. industry to become a key partner in building the Philippines’ clean energy future, banking on the strong bilateral cooperation between the two nations in advancing clean energy infrastructure.
For Meralco, the grant reinforces its role as a key driver of energy innovation in the Philippines. The company has been forging partnerships with reputable global institutions to gain critical insights and explore transformative opportunities that can pave the way for safe nuclear energy adoption in the country.
“Through the good graces of the U.S. government, we are laying the groundwork for responsible integration of nuclear into our overall fuel mix. This grant goes beyond funding – it is a demonstration of support from the United States for our vision, our readiness, and our capabilities to lead the adoption of nuclear energy,” Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said. “Meralco sees this grant as the beginning of a long but necessary journey. It simply is right for the country to think nuclear and Meralco is prepared to act as though leader in that regard. We look forward to the progress this collaboration will bring – and to a secure energy future we will build together.”