ILOILO City – Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) has categorically denied rumors that it plans to build a nuclear power facility in Iloilo City, clarifying that the company remains focused on expanding its renewable and conventional energy portfolio instead.
MGEN president and chief executive officer Felino Bernardo said the firm has no intention of venturing into nuclear energy at this time, citing the Philippines’ lack of readiness for such technology.
“The technology is still a long way off for us. We will wait for it to develop further before exploring the possibility,” Bernardo said.
He explained that MGEN is currently concentrating its investments on coal, solar, and battery energy storage systems to ensure stable and cleaner energy supply.
Recently, the company signed an agreement with Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL) and SUMEC Complete Equipment and Engineering Co. Ltd. — global leaders in battery technologies — to develop a 35-megawatt solar battery storage facility in Cebu capable of providing electricity for up to two hours during peak demand.
Bernardo said the project is part of MGEN’s long-term plan to strengthen renewable energy capacity and support the country’s transition to sustainable power sources.
His statement also comes amid reports that the national government is studying Antique province as a possible site for a nuclear power plant, but Bernardo stressed that MGEN has no involvement in such initiatives.
“We are not considering nuclear power at this time,” he reiterated./PN
