THE Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the Ultra Safe Nuclear Cooperation (USNC) embarked on Wednesday on a cooperation agreement to undertake a Pre-Feasibility Study on Micro-Modular Reactors (MMRs) to explore clean and sustainable energy options in the country.

Meralco and USNC presented their signed agreement to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco on the sidelines of his participation to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

President Marcos lauded the agreement saying the “partnership is a significant step towards exploring clean and sustainable energy options for the Philippines.”

He said the agreement “is aligned with our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change.”

In his first SONA, the President directed the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to explore the possibility of developing small-scale modular nuclear power plants, subject to compliance with international safety standards and regulations.

Under the agreement between Meralco and USNC, they will conduct a feasibility study for the potential deployment of Micro Modular Reactors in Meralco sites aimed at enforcing the sustainable energy agenda and to provide affordable and dependable access to power, particularly to the underserved and off-grid areas for economic empowerment.

The officials present were USNC Founder and CEO Francesco Venneri, USNC EVP for Global Strategy Roland Backhaus, former president and chairman of the US Export-Import Bank and former US Executive Director to the Asian Development Bank Ambassador John Bohn, Vesticom CEO Ramon Cruz, Meralco EVP and COO Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco EVP and COO Dominic Camu Jr., Pilipinas Global Network Ltd President and CEO Ernesto Santa Maria and Metro Pacific Investment Corp. head of Government Relations and Public Affairs Atty. Mike Toledo.

ROMUALDEZ ON NUKE PACTS

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has lauded the two nuclear agreements sealed in the United States during the trip of President Marcos

Romualdez, who is part of the Marcos’ delegate, said these agreements constitute a significant stride towards providing Filipinos with cheaper, cleaner, and sustainable electricity.

The President has witnessed the signing of a groundbreaking cooperative agreement between Meralco and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) to pave the way for the deployment of Micro-Modular Reactors (MMRs) in the Philippines.

Likewise, the Philippines is set to sign with the US government on the sidelines of the President’s participation in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco the 123 nuclear deal or the “peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement.”

“The partnership between Meralco and USNC is a game-changer for the Philippines’ energy landscape. Micro-Modular Reactors represent a paradigm shift in delivering cheap, safe, reliable, and scalable nuclear energy,” Romualdez said. PCO, Jester Manalastas