On July 15, a delegation from the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE), led by Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo, visited Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy.

The visit was part of the Philippines’ broader efforts to reintroduce nuclear power into its national energy mix, targeting operational deployment in the 2030s. 

During the visit, the delegation held a meeting with KAERI President Dr. Han Gyu Joo and received an in-depth presentation on KAERI’s research programs and its ongoing advancements in nuclear technologies. The visit also included a tour of SMART-ITL (SMART-Integral Test Loop), where the delegation gained firsthand insights into KAERI’s work on the SMART SMR.

Undersecretary Bacordo emphasized that the Philippine government is actively considering nuclear energy as a strategic solution to enhance national energy security and ensure a stable power supply. He expressed strong interest in deepening cooperation with Korea in the nuclear sector.

President Dr. Joo shared this perspective, stating that nuclear power must be part of the energy mix to achieve carbon neutrality, and reaffirmed KAERI’s commitment to fostering practical cooperation in nuclear R&D between the Philippines and Korea.