PH-US civil nuclear agreement takes effect

This will facilitate transfer of knowledge and equipment for nuclear energy development.

The Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (123 Agreement) between the Philippines and the US has officially entered into force, setting the guidelines for the exchange of information and technology for the safe and secure use of nuclear energy. 

In a statement, the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) said the 123 Agreement, which was signed on 16 November 2023, took effect on 2 July 2024. 

The deal “aims to facilitate Philippine-US cooperation for the transfer of information, nuclear material, equipment and components taking into full account the standards and safeguards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as in accordance with their respective national laws, international agreements, and regulations,” DOE said. 

This agreement facilitates the direct transfer of expertise, and materials between Manila and Washington or through persons authorised to engage in such activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers.

According to DOE, the Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee is currently finalising the Philippines’ nuclear energy program roadmap which outlines key targets that must be achieved for the successful use of nuclear energy for power generation. 

Under the 2023-2050 Philippine Energy Plan, the entry of nuclear power generation capacities is targeted in 2032 with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW), and additional 1,200 MW by 2035 and 2,400 MW by 2050.