Government to streamline nuclear project licensing

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February 25, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The government has adopted a harmonized licensing and permitting roadmap for proposed nuclear power projects as the country aims to safely harness the technology’s potential by 2032.

Before delivering power to the grid, a nuclear project must navigate seven major phases requiring both sequential and parallel approvals, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

Include obtaining business registration, foundational permits, environmental clearances and nuclear siting approvals, as well as licensing from the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) for construction or provisional permits.

Created under Republic Act 12305, PhilAtom assumes all regulatory tasks previously managed by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) to ensure the safe and peaceful use of nuclear power.

Likewise, project proponents must secure energy sector-specific approvals, undergo construction monitoring and oversight, and obtain licenses for operation, testing and commissioning.

“We are at a pivotal moment for our country’s energy future, and our collective goal is to strengthen our whole-of-society approach for nuclear power operation that will serve both the safety of our citizens and the efficiency of the energy sector,” Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said.

The streamlined licensing roadmap was developed following a focus group discussion led by officials from the DOE, PNRI and Department of Finance, with participation from private sector and academic stakeholders.

DOE director Patrick Aquino, secretariat head of the country’s Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), stressed the importance of aligning all processes with global safety benchmarks.

“We must ensure that every nuclear power plant project in our country meets the rigorous standards required for its safe and secure operation, in adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency requirements,” Aquino said.

The government plans to present the NEP-IAC–validated flowchart, along with the relevant policies and investment incentives, to prospective nuclear energy investors in the Philippines.

These initiatives align with the Philippines’ ambitious target of injecting at least 1,200 megawatts of nuclear power into the energy mix by 2032 and scaling this up to 4,800 MW by 2050.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin earlier said the government is gearing up to accept nuclear project license applications starting this year to stay on track to meet national targets.

“Our commitment is straightforward: strong safety oversight, predictable processes and transparent public engagement, so that when proponents are ready to invest, the government is ready to evaluate, regulate and deliver our 2032 target responsibly,” Garin said.