SINGAPORE — The Philippines and Singapore are exploring potential collaboration on cross-border electricity interconnection and nuclear energy generation to strengthen energy security.
Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and Singapore’s Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry Tan See Leng signed letters of intent to explore opportunities for cross-border electricity connectivity and advancing nuclear technology.
“When we connect our grids and build safe, responsible partnerships in nuclear energy, we are working toward more energy sources, and more stable power for every home, so that the lights stay on for our families, our children can study at night, and our small businesses can keep their doors open,” Ms. Garin said in a statement on Thursday.
The two countries agree to explore trading electricity to make better use of complementary energy resources. The initiative could give the Philippines greater flexibility in managing supply constraints.
Both countries may engage companies with credible proposals to assess the technical, economic, financial, and commercial aspects of interconnection.
The partnership also aims to advance the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) goal of establishing an $800-billion cross-border grid network.
The ASEAN Power Grid aims to connect the electricity networks of the 10-member countries, enabling cross-border power trading. The target timetable for the program is 2045.
“The ASEAN Power Grid is how we make that real. Interconnected systems give us what no single country has by itself: cross-border electricity trade, better use of the resources we already have, and another line of support when supply tightens,” Ms. Garin said.
At the same time, the Philippines and Singapore also intend to deepen cooperation in nuclear energy through information and expertise exchange among government officials and relevant experts, as well as research collaboration.
Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to integrate nuclear energy into the national power mix with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2032, doubling it to 2,400 MW by 2045 and to 4,800 MW by 2050.
The Philippines is positioning nuclear energy as part of efforts to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and enhance energy security.
To advance this goal, the Department of Energy is planning to auction the country’s first nuclear power projects, with the rules for the bidding process still being developed.
“These engagements form part of the Department of Energy’s broader efforts to diversify the country’s energy options, strengthen supply security, and pursue partnerships that can support the development of reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy for Filipino households and businesses,” the department said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera