MVP Brings French Firm to Fuel PH Nuclear Push

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan is joining forces with French state-run power giant Electricité de France SA (EDF) to unlock the potential of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

- By Brix Lelis

MVP-led Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has inked a two-year memorandum of cooperation with EDF to explore nuclear power and pursue potential investments, including backing from the French government.

Nuclear energy adoption, Pangilinan said, is "one viable path" toward achieving the Marcos administration's goal of ensuring greater energy security for the country.

"We see this cooperation as a significant first step for Meralco, and we are committed to taking a leadership role in advancing nuclear energy in the Philippines," said Pangilinan, who serves as Meralco's chairman and CEO.

The deal involves EDF providing technical and strategic support to Meralco for a feasibility study on site assessments, power system integration and the economic viability of nuclear power.