Kazan: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed the Philippines' interest in collaborating with Russia to enhance the nation's nuclear energy capabilities, aiming to fortify long-term energy security and diversify its power resources. In a recent interview on the sidelines of his visit to Kazan, Marcos highlighted the potential of integrating emerging nuclear technologies, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), into the country's energy strategy.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos discussed the readiness of nuclear technology during his interview with Russia Today (RT). He emphasized Russia's advanced expertise in SMR development, viewing the nation as a promising partner in the Philippines' exploration of nuclear energy solutions. Given the Philippines' archipelagic geography, SMRs present a viable option for decentralized energy distribution across its more than 7,600 islands.

Marcos elaborated on the suitability of SMRs for addressing the unique energy challenges faced by the Philippines. With capacities ranging from 70 to 300 megawatts, SMRs can efficiently supply power to individual islands and remote areas, making them an attractive solution for the country's energy needs. He noted that the modular nature of these reactors allows for expansion in response to increasing energy demands.

The president also highlighted Russia's progress in moving beyond pilot projects to operational commercial SMR plants, suggesting the potential benefits of adapting such a program for the Philippines. During his discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Marcos underscored the global shift towards nuclear energy as part of the transition to clean energy, especially in light of recent disruptions in fossil fuel supply chains.

Marcos reiterated the Philippines' commitment to reducing its reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring energy stability for its growing industrial sector. He acknowledged the rising electricity needs from emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, emphasizing nuclear energy as a viable solution to meet these demands.

In conclusion, Marcos asserted the importance of exploring all possible energy solutions, identifying nuclear power as a promising avenue for the Philippines' future energy strategy.