The NEA works on an ongoing basis with countries around the world that are exploring the development of nuclear energy programmes. NEA Director-General William D. Magwood, IV was in Manila, the Philippines, during the last week of February to engage in discussions with representatives from government, academia, research institutions, and the private sector.
“While developing a nuclear energy programme can be a challenging process, the Philippines already has a strong technical base in research, science, and technology upon which to build,” said Director-General Magwood after the visit. “The NEA looks forward to strengthening cooperation with the Philippines’ energy sector stakeholders working to advance nuclear energy development in the country.”
Director-General Magwood met with a delegation of the Department of Energy of the Philippines led by Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla to discuss the potential of nuclear energy to contribute to the country’s energy security and environmental goals. As the Philippines’ government is working towards advancing its nuclear energy programme, the discussion covered aspects related to workforce expansion, regulatory frameworks, public acceptance, and potential cooperation. Director-General Magwood also presented the latest NEA analysis on small modular reactors (SMRs) and ongoing work in the areas of nuclear finance, supply chains, and capacity building.
The progress made in nuclear energy development in the Philippines, the next steps towards deployment and potential cooperation through NEA initiatives and events were the focus of a meeting with Marcos Punsalang, OUMAIER-APEC National Secretariat Director-General at the Department of Foreign Affairs.