Small Modular Reactors to Undergo Study in Philippines
The feasibility study for new nuclear capacity will take place amid broader regional efforts to bolster energy security.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Nuclear
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Should the Philippines prioritize nuclear energy to resolve national power shortages and ensure energy security?
The Philippines is set to host the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila from November 15 to 17, 2026. This gathering arrives as regional leaders address long-term energy security through emerging nuclear and hydrogen initiatives.
Why it matters
National energy security concerns are driving a regional pivot toward diversified power portfolios, including small modular reactors and hydrogen-ready infrastructure. These moves reflect a broader attempt to stabilize regional grids against supply volatility.
A $2.8 million technical assistance program is currently funding feasibility studies for small modular reactors in the Philippines. Additionally, Singapore recently inaugurated a 670-MW hydrogen-ready combined-cycle gas turbine plant.
The players
Meralco
An electric power distribution company in the Philippines currently evaluating small modular reactor feasibility for its portfolio.
PacificLight Power
A Singapore-based power generator that operates a 670-MW hydrogen-ready combined-cycle gas turbine power plant.
Aboitiz Power
A Philippine power company that recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
A South Korean state-owned power company specializing in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
US Trade and Development Agency
A United States government agency that provides funding for technical assistance programs aimed at infrastructure development.
The details
The current feasibility studies for small modular reactors — advanced nuclear reactors that use factory-built components for easier site assembly — involve collaboration with firms like Sargent & Lundy and AMH Philippines Inc. Meanwhile, the region is integrating hydrogen-ready gas turbines that allow power producers to shift fuel composition toward hydrogen to reduce carbon intensity. Technical training programs like the FISSION project are now actively sending engineering personnel abroad to earn masteral degrees in nuclear engineering to support this infrastructure build-out.
Timeline
October 20 to 21, 2026: The World Nuclear Supply Chain 2026 Conference occurred.
November 15 to 17, 2026: The 49th ASEAN Summit will be held in Manila.
The Tech Race
The Philippines is accelerating its nuclear ambitions by aligning with international partners and the human-capital pipeline established by the FISSION program. This effort mirrors the broader regional push to integrate low-carbon, high-capacity nuclear and hydrogen power to compete with traditional baseload providers.
The push for nuclear and hydrogen infrastructure aims to address chronic regional grid instability that has led to recent local power outages. Implementation remains in the feasibility and planning stages, meaning residential power shifts are not expected in the immediate term.
The takeaway
Regional energy planners are prioritizing nuclear and hydrogen feasibility to secure long-term grid stability. Readers should track the results of the currently ongoing small modular reactor feasibility studies to understand if and when nuclear capacity will officially join the regional energy mix.
Further reading
For broader trends in regional energy transition, see Nuclear.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Philstar.
Live Poll
Should the Philippines prioritize nuclear energy to resolve national power shortages and ensure energy security?
