Manila Electric Company has received a $2.8 million (€2.3 million) grant from the United States Trade and Development Agency to conduct comprehensive small modular reactor studies through its generation subsidiary Meralco PowerGen Corporation, Malaya Business Insight reported.

The technical assistance programme funds assessments of reactor technologies and site suitability as part of Meralco's Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition initiative. Work commences in 2026 and targets integration of nuclear capacity as a low-carbon baseload solution addressing rising demand and energy security requirements.

Thomas R Hardy of USTDA characterised nuclear solutions as holding significant independence potential. The funding positions American reactor technologies centrally within Philippine energy planning whilst advancing Meralco's programme development, he said.

Study deliverables include shortlisted SMR designs suited to Philippine operating conditions, preliminary site assessments, and implementation roadmaps examining commercial feasibility, financing structures and regulatory frameworks with phased development timelines. Meralco gains access to American technical expertise and detailed reviews of advanced United States-developed reactor designs.

Manuel V Pangilinan, chairman and chief executive of Meralco, described the grant as demonstrating international confidence in the company's nuclear leadership capacity. "Through the good graces of the US government, we are laying the groundwork for responsible integration of nuclear into our overall fuel mix," Pangilinan said.

The chairman characterised nuclear consideration as timely for the Philippines, with Meralco prepared to lead the transition despite the long development timeline ahead.

USTDA identifies the initiative as creating opportunities for American industry participation in Philippine clean energy development, building on bilateral cooperation in modern energy infrastructure advancement.

Explore detailed programme timelines and reactor technology criteria for Meralco's nuclear initiative in the full report.