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Aboitiz Power Corp. has joined the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Power Corp. in a planned feasibility study that will assess potential nuclear power plant sites across the country, including the possible revival of the long-idled Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
The listed energy company confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corp. (NAPOCOR) to support a comprehensive feasibility study covering potential nuclear power plant locations across the country, including the possible revival of the long-idled Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).
Despite its involvement, AboitizPower emphasized that the initiative is still in its early stages and does not obligate the company to pursue or build a nuclear facility.
“At this stage, the Company is focused on preliminary evaluations and, consequently, no decisions or schedule around this have been defined,” AboitizPower said in a disclosure.
Assessment Of Potential Sites
The DOE said discussions with AboitizPower and NAPOCOR are part of efforts to establish an evidence-based and internationally aligned approach to nuclear energy development in the country.
Under the proposed collaboration, the parties will examine candidate sites nationwide, including the inactive BNPP, to determine their suitability for future nuclear power development.
The study will assess a range of factors, including site suitability, safety and security considerations, regulatory readiness, and infrastructure requirements. These evaluations will be conducted in accordance with standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the DOE said.
According to the agency, the initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to explore nuclear energy as a long-term component of the country’s power mix.
“Anchored on the country’s Nuclear Energy Plan and Roadmap, the initiative reflects the Philippines’ continuing efforts to explore safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy options as part of the long-term energy mix beginning 2032,” the DOE said.
Supporting Long-Term Energy Security
The DOE said the planned partnership highlights the role of collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders in strengthening the country’s energy future.
“Through strategic collaboration among government and private sector stakeholders, the DOE continues to advance long-term energy security, energy resiliency, and clean energy development for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the agency said.
For AboitizPower, participation in the study aligns with its long-term objective of helping ensure a stable and competitively priced electricity supply amid rising power demand and persistent concerns over high electricity costs.
The company said it remains focused on delivering reliable and reasonably priced power while minimizing impacts on communities and the environment.
Nuclear energy has increasingly figured in government discussions on energy security because of its ability to provide baseload electricity. Unlike intermittent renewable sources, nuclear plants can operate continuously and supply power around the clock, helping stabilize the grid and support growing energy requirements.
Nuclear Targets Under Energy Plan
The feasibility study comes as the government advances targets outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan and the country’s Nuclear Energy Plan and Roadmap.
Under current goals, the Philippines aims to develop at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of commercially operational nuclear capacity by 2032. The target is expected to increase over the following decades as authorities seek to diversify the country’s energy sources and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
Government projections call for nuclear capacity to expand to 2,400 MW by 2035 and reach as much as 4,800 MW by 2050. Other DOE targets have also identified a goal of scaling capacity to 4,800 MW by 2040.
While questions remain over the viability of specific sites, including the BNPP, the feasibility study is expected to provide key technical, regulatory, and infrastructure assessments that could shape future policy and investment decisions on nuclear energy development in the Philippines.
Source:
https://tribune.net.ph/2026/05/28/aboitizpower-nuke-talks-still-preliminary
https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/05/29/2531197/aboitizpower-map-sites-nuclear-plants