Philippines Nuclear: New Laws and Pioneer Incentives Drive Multi-Billion Dollar Investment
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) mostly consists of developing countries experiencing rapid economic growth and industrialization, increasing energy demand that is largely supplied by fossil fuels. Carbon emissions causing the climate crisis due to massive fossil fuel use have pressured many countries around the world, including ASEAN member states, to pursue a clean energy transition. The Philippines, one of the developing countries with significant energy growth in the region, has entered a new phase in its clean energy transition agenda by introducing its nuclear energy program through gradual milestones outlined in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023–2050. In this plan, the Philippines sets an initial nuclear power capacity target of 1,200 MW by 2032, doubling it to 2,400 MW by 2035, and maintaining 4,800 MW by 2050 through the implementation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and large-scale nuclear power plants (NPPs).
Alongside its efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which account for nearly 80% of its power mix, the Philippines is also actively working to increase the share of renewable energy, targeting 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2050 through large-scale solar and offshore wind power projects. However, due to the intermittent nature of renewables that depend on weather and location, stable baseload power is still required to balance the system. This is where nuclear energy will play a future role in the Philippines. Nuclear power will serve as a stable, low-emission baseload source, filling the intermittency gap from renewables such as solar and wind, thereby ensuring national electricity supply security, attracting industrial investment, and maintaining economic competitiveness while reducing carbon emissions.
The strategic move of incorporating nuclear power into the Philippines’ clean energy mix marks the revival of a long-delayed ambition since the 621 MW Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) project was halted in 1984. Now, under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to making nuclear energy a strategic component of its national energy mix, aligned with its decarbonization agenda and the net-zero emissions (NZE) 2050 target. So, how prepared is the Philippines to lead its nuclear power program in ASEAN?
Regulating the Future: Establishing the Backbone of Nuclear Governance
After setting its nuclear capacity targets, the Philippines’ nuclear momentum continued through the signing of Republic Act No. 12305 (RA 12305), the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 18, 2025. The Act established the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) as the country’s first independent and quasi-judicial nuclear regulator with sole authority over all nuclear and radiation-related activities. This also serves as concrete evidence of the Philippines’ full commitment to utilizing nuclear power for capacity enhancement while adhering to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards.
According to Secretary of Energy Sharon S. Garin, PhilATOM will modernize the Philippines’ nuclear regulatory framework in line with international standards and global best practices, thereby strengthening the legal and institutional foundations that have long been a prerequisite for countries intending to operate commercial NPPs. This effort is also supported by the Nuclear Energy Program – Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), a government committee led by the Department of Energy (DOE) that studies the feasibility and redevelopment of nuclear energy through six subcommittees systematically addressing various aspects of nuclear infrastructure, from safety and security to site selection and waste management. In addition, the Philippines has adopted several supporting policies, including the formulation of the National Policy and Strategy on Nuclear Safety, Security, and Safeguards, and the completion of the National Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan (RADPLAN).
Unlocking Investment Confidence: Catalyzing Private Capital for Nuclear Growth
Unlike most power plant financing models that are fully state supported, the government’s role in establishing a clear regulatory environment and structure is crucial for the Philippines to attract private investors, as nearly all power generation in the country has been privatized. Recognizing that nuclear investment requires large capital, advanced technology, and long-term development, the DOE has begun exploring various financing options, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and green financing, to support the development of the country’s first nuclear power plant known as the NPP Pioneer Project. With the government acting as a facilitator and the private sector as the main driving force, the Philippines is able to create an environment attractive to private investors.
To stimulate these investments, the DOE launched a game-changing policy on October 2, 2025. Through Department Circular (DC) No. 2005-10-0019, the government introduced a framework for “NPP Pioneer” to accelerate the construction of the first nuclear power plant targeted to operate by 2032. By building the first NPP in the Philippines, the government will help developers, both local and international, find buyers. This pioneering project will also serve as a model for future nuclear projects, providing a clear regulatory framework, technical learning, and energy security. Furthermore, the DOE has issued policies that allow the first nuclear investors to obtain highly attractive incentives:
Priority Dispatch: The pioneering NPP will be designated as a baseload facility and given priority access to the power grid.
Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS): The project will automatically be certified as an Energy Project of National Significance, granting access to fiscal incentives and expedited permitting processes.
Exemption from the Competitive Selection Process (CSP): To accelerate development, pioneering investors will be exempted from the mandatory bidding mechanism, allowing them to establish direct supply contracts.
This move effectively reduces market and regulatory risks for first movers, a strong signal that the Philippines is serious about attracting international capital. Moreover, the country plans to begin accepting applications for nuclear energy projects in 2026, considering the availability of technology.
Empowering the Workforce: Building a Generation of Nuclear-Ready Talent
Policies and incentives would be meaningless without technical readiness and human resources. Patrick T. Aquino, Director of the DOE and Head of the NEP-IAC Technical Secretariat, stated that the government is now transitioning from the preparatory stage to implementation. He identified 2026 as a “turning point” to strengthen institutional readiness, technical credibility, and public trust to achieve the target operation of the first NPP.
In parallel, the government is actively developing human capital through programs such as the Nuclear Energy Awareness Training (NEAT), which targets professionals, academics, and the media to build strong understanding of nuclear technology. While focusing on large-scale reactors for the pioneering NPP, the DOE is also carefully evaluating new technologies such as SMRs, with a pragmatic attitude toward adopting them once international safety protocols are well established.
These efforts have gained validation on the global stage. On September 19, 2025, the Philippines was elected as a member of the IAEA Board of Governors for the 2025–2027 term. This position not only strengthens the country’s image as a responsible nuclear partner but also provides vital access to technical cooperation in medicine, agriculture, and energy.
The Philippines’ momentum aligns with the global nuclear resurgence. According to IAEA energy economist Brianna Lazerwitz, aside from 416 operating reactors, there are 32 newcomer countries actively exploring nuclear energy, with global nuclear power capacity projected to continue rising until 2050. The high-case scenario now projects a 160% increase from 377 GW at the end of 2024 to 992 GW by 2050. Even in the low-case scenario, capacity is expected to grow by 50% to 561 GW globally.
Earning the Social License: Turning Public Trust into a Strategic Asset
One of the biggest challenges in implementing a new nuclear program is how a country can build public acceptance and trust. However, the Philippines appears to be winning this battle. A national survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) in May 2025 among about 7,520 adult respondents showed a significant shift in sentiment: over 70% of Filipinos believe that nuclear energy can provide reliable electricity, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and help combat climate change, while 76% expressed interest in learning more about nuclear energy.
Such strong public support will certainly pave the way for innovative opportunities. One of the most interesting proposals came from Bataan Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III, who outlined an ambitious plan to transform the long-dormant BNPP area into a large-scale data center hub. This transformation, where clean, stable, high-capacity baseload power is critically needed, could be ideally supported by nuclear power in the future. Moreover, public confidence in nuclear technology will help the Philippines adopt advanced nuclear technologies such as SMRs, which are more flexible, and open opportunities for other innovations such as floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs), which could become potential electricity suppliers for the country’s vast archipelagic regions. Therefore, developing NPPs in the Philippines could stimulate investment, technological advancement, job creation, and downstream industry growth, such as data centers and information technology, supporting significant economic and GDP growth.
Positioning for Regional Leadership: The Philippines’ Ascent in ASEAN’s Nuclear Future
Ultimately, with a strong policy foundation, aggressive investment incentives, and growing public support, the Philippines’ target of operating its first NPP by 2032 is becoming increasingly realistic. The advancement of modern nuclear technology, now safer and more efficient, makes it a crucial component of decarbonization and achieving the NZE 2050 target. Of course, this plan must be accompanied by a well-structured strategy, from choosing proven technologies and identifying safe plant locations to strengthening transparency, public education, and community participation in every stage of NPP development.
This Philippine initiative is more than just a national energy project; it is a signal to the region. Its bold move could serve as the spark needed for regional civil nuclear cooperation in ASEAN. This momentum will undoubtedly be in the spotlight at the 10th edition of the Asia Nuclear Business Platform (ANBP) 2025, to be held on December 9-11, 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia. This event will serve as a vital forum bringing together policymakers, global stakeholders, and industry leaders to shape the next phase of ASEAN’s nuclear trajectory. With the National Energy Council of Indonesia (Dewan Energi Nasional, DEN) as the host, this forum will strengthen ASEAN’s energy commitment to a safe, secure, and integrated future, directing the region’s nuclear energy programs toward sustainable development.
