The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry is considering collaboration with Canada's AtkinsRéalis to integrate nuclear energy into the country's clean energy transition plans.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines is in discussions with Canadian nuclear technology company AtkinsRéalis regarding a potential partnership to develop civil nuclear energy. This move aims to support the Philippines’ shift toward cleaner and more reliable energy sources. On July 2, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and Finance Secretary Frederick Go met with AtkinsRéalis executives to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating the company’s nuclear technologies into the country’s long-term energy strategy. The Montreal-based firm’s CANDU EC6 nuclear reactor technology was highlighted as a viable option. CANDU reactors utilize natural, unenriched uranium and heavy water, with 31 commercial reactors globally, including in Canada, Argentina, China, Romania, and South Korea. The Department of Energy (DOE) plans to have operational nuclear power plants by 2032, initially adding at least 1,200 megawatts to the national grid, targeting an increase to 4,800 megawatts by 2050. Potential sites identified for these plants include Bataan, Labrador in Pangasinan, Camarines Norte, Puerto Princesa in Palawan, and Masbate. This initiative corresponds with the official visit of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Canada. The DTI emphasized the importance of affordable, reliable energy to industrial growth and expressed openness to AtkinsRéalis sharing its expertise in engineering and nuclear technology.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/993811/dti-eyes-partnership-with-canadian-firm-atkinsrealis-on-civil-nuclear-energy/story/
