Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Doosan Enerbility Co., Ltd., to look into collaborations on developing low-carbon energy projects, including possibly developing nuclear energy in the Philippines.

In a statement, Meralco said amongst the focus areas of the deal are the potential deployment of nuclear power facilities in the country, as well as the rehabilitation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. The parties will also study the use of small modular reactors to help meet Manila's growing power demand and achieve long-term energy security.

They are also looking into the deployment of greenhouse gas reduction equipment, such as ammonia co-firing technology, for ageing thermal power plants. Furthermore, the parties are studying potential gas turbine development for Meralco's combined cycle power projects, with Doosan as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

Doosan Enerbility Vice Chairman Yeonin Jung said “this collaboration will contribute to the modernisation of the country’s energy infrastructure and help ensure a stable and long-term supply of clean, reliable power.”

Partnering with reputable and dependable companies like Doosan aligns well with our pursuit to continuously explore innovative energy solutions that we can adopt as we work towards ensuring availability of sufficient, affordable and reliable power to meet our country’s long-term goals,” said Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan.