Meralco, MGEN tap Sargent & Lundy for comprehensive SMR feasibility study

News | National Posted on 2026-09-03 16:18:00

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) have selected U.S.-based engineering firm Sargent & Lundy, in partnership with local engineering firm AMH Philippines, Inc. (AMH), to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study for the potential deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the Philippines.

The study marks the next step in the $2.8 million technical assistance program funded by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), which was formally announced in February 2026. It is intended to provide One Meralco with a rigorous, data-driven basis for determining whether, when, and how SMRs could form part of the country’s future energy mix. A dedicated SMR Working Group has been established within the One Meralco group to lead the study and coordinate closely with S&L and AMH. The comprehensive study is targeted for completion by the fourth quarter of 2027. 

 “Partnering with Sargent & Lundy marks a pivotal step in turning our nuclear roadmap into actionable, data-driven decisions under our NEST program. As we advance this USTDA-funded study, MGEN remains committed to exploring safe, reliable, and low-carbon technologies such as SMRs as we work to secure the Philippines’ long-term energy future and support the country’s economic growth,” MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio said.

 Sargent & Lundy will lead a vendor-neutral, U.S.-focused SMR assessment program aligned with relevant International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards and international best practices. The study will examine key considerations for potential SMR deployment, including technology assessment and site selection, grid integration, financial and commercial planning, decision-making frameworks, and stakeholder capacity building through a dedicated series of workshops. 

 The engagement will also strengthen the technical capacity of key Philippine stakeholders, including MGEN, the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) by providing practical frameworks and tools that can support informed decision-making as the country advances its nuclear energy roadmap. 

 “By bringing together a dedicated internal working group, alongside global and local experts, we are undertaking a comprehensive assessment that considers the technical, financial, and regulatory realities of the Philippine setting. The study goes beyond identifying suitable technologies and potential sites. It will also build the technical capacity and decision-making frameworks that can support MGEN and our national stakeholders well beyond the completion of the study,” MGEN Head of Strategic Energy Transition Felino M. Bernardo said.

About Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN)

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN) is shaping the future of energy with a growing portfolio of diversified energy solutions across the Philippines and Southeast Asia. From thermal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to solar and battery energy storage — with nuclear energy among the technologies being explored for the future — it is delivering reliable power to drive progress across industries, communities, and economies. In addition to its generation portfolio, MGEN also has a retail electricity supplier company that provides tailored energy solutions for qualified contestable customers. 

 MGEN operates through key subsidiaries, MGEN Thermal Energy, Inc. (MGEN Thermal) and MGEN Renewable Energy, Inc. (MGEN Renewables). The company also has investments in LNG-to-power facilities in the Philippines through Chromite Gas Holdings, Inc. (CGHI) which holds a majority stake in LNGPH – an integrated LNG facility in Batangas; and in Singapore through PacificLight Power (PLP) Pte. Ltd.  In addition, MGEN has interests in SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC) — a publicly listed renewable energy company.  

As of July 2026, MGEN’s portfolio represents a combined net saleable capacity of 5,069.7 megawatts (MW) from both traditional and renewable sources, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with a capacity of 56.4 MWh. 

With a mission of Powering a Better Tomorrow, MGEN anchors all its efforts in addressing the energy trilemma. Guided by this purpose, the company envisions to be the leader in the Philippines’ transition to a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future, while fueling economic growth by meeting the region’s energy requirements.

To know more about MGEN and its subsidiaries, please visit mgen.com.ph and follow us on LinkedIn. 

Contact:

JACQUELINE GOROSPE

Corporate Communications and Branding Head

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN)

+639189793173

jsgorospe@mgen.com.ph

Atty. CHRISTER A. GAUDIANO

Sustainability, Communications, & External Affairs Head

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGEN)

+639399351297

cjragaudiano@mgen.com.ph

NPO News Team I MGEN - PR

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