On the second day of the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2024, Canada and France took center stage in fostering meaningful dialogue, sharing valuable insights into their long-standing experience in the nuclear energy sector. Both countries brought wealth of knowledge and showcased their latest advancements in nuclear technologies, highlighting innovations that have positioned them at the forefront of the global nuclear industry.
Canada, a global nuclear energy leader for its innovative reactor designs, stringent safety protocols, and "on-time and on-budget" project execution scheme, have expressed its support for the Philippines’ goal of building a cleaner, more sustainable, and resilient energy future.
In his welcome remarks, Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines, David Hartman, emphasized Canada’s readiness to support the Philippines in achieving its nuclear energy goals. He highlighted Canada’s comprehensive nuclear ecosystem, which includes advanced reactor technologies and financing solutions through Export Development Canada. Ambassador Hartman conveyed that Canada is prepared to offer a complete package of expertise and resources to help ensure the Philippines' success on its nuclear energy journey.
The Clean Energy Scenario of the Philippine Energy Plan considers the installation of 1,200 MW of nuclear energy capacity by 2032, with plans to double to 2,400 MW by 2035, and expand further to 4,800 MW by 2050. This gradual scaling of nuclear capacity aligns with the Philippines’ long-term goals for energy security, economic development, and climate change mitigation.
Canada's nuclear energy sector plays a crucial role in its clean energy strategy, with 19 reactors generating about 15% of the country's electricity. Canada has developed extensive expertise across every phase of the nuclear fuel cycle, from uranium mining to reactor operation and eventual decommissioning. Its CANDU reactor technology, known for its safety and efficiency, uses natural uranium and heavy water and is deployed in several countries worldwide. Additionally, Canada is home to the world’s fourth-largest uranium reserves, with Saskatchewan’s high-grade deposits accounting for over 8% of global uranium production, making Canada the second-largest producer globally.
Meanwhile, French Ambassador to the Philippines, Marie Fontanel, in her welcome remarks announced that French Ministry of Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate and Risk Education and the Philippine Department of Energy are currently in discussion to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in energy transition and the implementation of nuclear programs. This will focus on training, research and capacity building, including technical assistance on energy transition with focus on nuclear energy.
France's energy history offers a compelling example of the potential role and benefits of nuclear energy in a nation's development. Nuclear power has been crucial in protecting France from price volatility and recurring crises in international energy markets.
Additionally, France is considering providing a grant to the Philippine government to support evaluation of potential sites for nuclear energy infrastructure.
For his part, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez emphasized that nuclear energy depends not only on advanced technology and infrastructure but also on a highly skilled, proficient, and empowered workforce. "Our primary task is to ensure that our country has the capacity to meet this demand by developing a local talent pool capable of supporting every aspect of the nuclear supply chain, from safety and operations to regulatory compliance and emergency preparedness," he said. "With both countries’ experience and commitment to workforce development in the nuclear sector, we look forward to collaborating on training and skills transfer to empower our workforce and establish a strong, secure foundation for nuclear energy management in the Philippines," Secretary Benitez stressed.
Today’s forum brought together over 160 stakeholders from the global and local private and public sectors, including civil society organizations, united by their shared interest in international collaboration and knowledge exchange. ###