BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Meralco Power Generation Corp. (MGen), through its subsidiary MGen Thermal Energy Corp. (MThermal), has outlined plans to integrate small modular reactors (SMRs) into its energy portfolio by the mid-2030s.
However, the company emphasized the urgent need to update the country’s regulatory framework, which dates back to the 1980s, before any nuclear power projects can proceed in the Philippines.
Jaime Azurin, president of MThermal, revealed during a press briefing in Iloilo City that MGen has signed a memorandum of agreement with the U.S.-based Ultra Safe Nuclear to explore potential sites for SMRs in the country.
The company aims to deploy SMRs in the mid-2030s, following the completion of pilot projects abroad, which are expected by 2028.
But Azurin stressed that the Philippines must modernize its policies and build a skilled workforce to ensure the safe management of nuclear technology.
The existing regulatory framework, established in 1986, was designed for conventional nuclear plants and does not reflect advancements in nuclear technology.
“We need to modernize our regulations and train our regulators to manage nuclear technology safely. This requires both updated policies and a skilled workforce,” Azurin emphasized.
MGen is positioning itself as a leader in the Philippines’ energy transition by advancing projects in nuclear, renewable, and natural gas power generation.
Central to this vision is the integration of SMRs into the energy mix, coupled with significant investments in renewable energy projects.
Nuclear energy and SMRs
Additionally, it has initiated a scholarship program to train Filipino engineers in nuclear science and SMR operations in the United States and South Korea.
This initiative operates independently of the Philippines-U.S. 123 Agreement, which facilitates nuclear technology transfer and training.
“SMRs are compact and ideal for the Philippines’ archipelagic setup. Their smaller capacity, starting at 70 megawatts, makes them suitable for localized grids like those in Cebu or Mindanao,” stressed Azurin.
MGen is also making substantial investments in renewable energy, including a P200-billion solar project in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan.
This project, slated to be the world’s largest solar battery facility, will feature a 3,500 megawatts of solar capacity, and 4,500 megawatt-hours of battery storage.
Phase one of construction begins in 2026, with 2,500 megawatts of solar power and up to 3,000 megawatt-hours of storage.
“This is a monumental project, not just for the Philippines but globally,” Azurin remarked, emphasizing its role in enhancing energy stability.
Balancing the energy mix
In addition to solar, MGen is developing 416 megawatts of solar power and planning 200-300 megawatts of wind capacity.
However, Azurin underscored the limitations of renewables in providing consistent baseload power.
“Renewable energy cannot replace baseload plants entirely at this stage. We need a mix of sources,” he explained, noting that battery storage mitigates variability but is not yet a complete solution.
To ensure energy stability, MGen continues to operate approved coal plants and expand natural gas projects, including a 1,200-megawatt facility in Batangas.
These three energy pillars include the MThermal for conventional power, Meralco Natural Gas for gas projects, and MGreen for renewables
Future Outlook
Azurin noted that the country’s thin energy reserve margins result in frequent power alerts and emphasized the need for a diversified portfolio to address these challenges. With ongoing investments, MGen expects to become one of the largest power companies in the Philippines in the next three to four years.
“We’re building a balanced portfolio of conventional, transition, and renewable energy sources to meet the country’s growing demand while advancing sustainability,” Azurin said.
In addition, MGen continues to strengthen its role in the Philippine energy sector by enhancing grid reliability and fostering community partnerships.
MGen has been working closely with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to address frequency imbalances brought about by the growing integration of variable renewable energy sources.
Quarterly coordination meetings have improved communication between NGCP and power generators, ensuring better grid management.
The completion of additional interconnection lines between Cebu, Negros, and Panay has significantly enhanced grid capacity, reducing the risk of blackouts like those that occurred in early 2024.
These improvements have bolstered energy stability in Western Visayas, which includes Iloilo.
Stabilizing the local grid
MGen’s Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) plant also has played a critical role in stabilizing the local grid in Iloilo and surrounding areas.
The PEDC plant has become a cornerstone of the region’s energy infrastructure, supporting both economic growth and energy reliability.
MGen’s contributions extend beyond energy. The company has supported community development in Iloilo through projects like sports facilities and public parks.
Azurin also expressed gratitude for the acceptance and support MGen has received in Iloilo, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to both energy and community development.
MGen’s latest commitment to Iloilo City is a P16-million lighting system for the football field at La Paz Plaza in Iloilo City.
Azurin added the lighting system will allow the football field to be used after daylight hours, underscoring its significance as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“We all know Iloilo is the bastion of football players. All our great Filipino football players came from this island. So, in support of that, we have been convinced by Mayor Jerry Treñas to help basically in trying to put up a lighted football field in La Paz,” Azurin said.
With ongoing collaboration with NGCP, a focus on renewable energy projects, and sustained community engagement, Azurin emphasized that MGen is solidifying its position as a key player in the countrys’ energy landscape while contributing to regional progress in Iloilo and beyond./PN
