Manila: The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will be sending scholars to South Korea starting March 2026 as part of its bid to strengthen its Nuclear Energy Strategic Transition program.

According to Philippines News Agency, the publicly listed power distribution utility announced that its energy education arm, Meralco Power Academy (MPA), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS). This agreement will facilitate the participation of recipients from Meralco's Filipino Scholars and Interns on Nuclear Engineering (FISSION) program in nuclear engineering studies in South Korea. KINGS offers an industry-integrated curriculum with access to live plant data, simulators, field visits, and digital learning environments designed for nuclear operations and reactor management.

The collaboration also includes MPA hosting over 20 students from KEPCO-operated Sudo Electric Technical High School during the first quarter of 2026. The partnership, formalized in February, considers potential cooperation on smart grid modernization, storm hardening, and energy transition strategies. This encompasses advanced metering infrastructure rollout, grid automation, data analytics, and distributed energy resource integration.

Previously, Meralco signed an MOU with DL Engineering and Construction to explore the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines. The agreement covers feasibility studies, site assessments, and long-term strategic planning. Meralco is particularly interested in SMRs as a solution for off-grid areas in the country.

Meralco officials have also conducted site visits and strategic dialogues with existing partners such as Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, Samsung C and T Corporation, and LG Energy Solutions, which manages South Korea's largest Battery Energy Storage System at the Namwon Substation. Ronnie Aperocho, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer, expressed the company's commitment to the responsible development of nuclear energy. He emphasized the importance of partnering with global leaders to build capabilities for the sustainable and safe adoption of nuclear energy in the Philippines.