The Philippine government is exploring potential cooperation with Canadian engineering and nuclear technology company AtkinsRéalis as part of its efforts to strengthen energy security and advance its clean energy transition.
Officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led by Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque, and Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs and Finance Secretary-designate Frederick D. Go met with AtkinsRéalis executives on July 2 to discuss possible collaboration in civil nuclear energy, engineering services, and long-term project development.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official working visit to Canada and focused on evaluating safe, reliable, and commercially viable nuclear technologies that could support the Philippines’ long-term energy mix.
Headquartered in Montréal, AtkinsRéalis is a global engineering and nuclear company employing more than 40,000 professionals worldwide. Through its subsidiary, Candu Energy Inc., the company provides nuclear engineering, technology licensing, project planning, financing support, supply chain localization, and major project execution services.
During the meeting, AtkinsRéalis presented its CANDU EC6 nuclear reactor technology as a potential option for the Philippines’ emerging civil nuclear energy program.
“Reliable and affordable energy is essential to industrial growth. As the Philippines studies nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy mix, we welcome AtkinsRéalis’ interest in sharing its proven engineering and nuclear technology expertise with the country,” Roque said.
Go underscored the potential role of AtkinsRéalis in supporting the Philippines as it continues to strengthen its regulatory and institutional frameworks for nuclear energy development.
Discussions covered various aspects of the nuclear value chain, including regulatory readiness, project development, licensing and engineering support, workforce training, and human capital development.
According to AtkinsRéalis, its CANDU technology uses natural, unenriched uranium and heavy water as a moderator and coolant. The company said 31 commercial CANDU reactors have been built in Canada, Argentina, China, Romania, and South Korea, while the technology has also been deployed in major reactor refurbishment and life-extension projects. In addition to electricity generation, CANDU reactors are capable of producing medical isotopes used in the treatment of various diseases.
The Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment to facilitating strategic investments through mechanisms such as the Green Lane for Strategic Investments under Executive Order No. 18. The DTI, through the Board of Investments and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Toronto, will continue coordinating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to advance discussions.
Also present during the meeting were Philippine Ambassador to Canada Victor Chan-Gonzaga and Trade Commissioner Mario C. Tani of the Philippine Trade and Investment Center–Toronto. AtkinsRéalis was represented by Richard Robinson, President for Asia, Middle East and Australia, and Savalaxs “Sara” Supa-Amornkul, Director for Business Development.
