2 July 2026
The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced plans to launch the Philippines' first nuclear energy auction, alongside the development of a dedicated policy framework to support the country's inaugural nuclear power project. The contemplated framework is expected to define commercial terms for nuclear projects, including cost recovery mechanisms, investor returns, government support positions including sovereign guarantee negotiation parameters, and potential incentives. The initiative forms part of the Philippines' broader nuclear roadmap, which targets a staggered delivery program beginning 2038.
Recommended actions
Potential investors and power sector stakeholders shouldmonitor the development and issuance of the DOE's Nuclear Capacity Tender Guidelines. The DOE has released a draft for public comment.
In more detail
The DOE is preparing a special auction mechanism for nuclear energy projects, which will serve as the primary route for awarding the country's first commercial nuclear plant. The DOE has released a draft of the Nuclear Capacity Tender Guidelines for public comment. The draft guidelines are intended to establish the policy and implementation framework for the competitive tender, award, development, construction, licensing, synchronization, delivery, and commercial operation of nuclear power generation capacity in the Philippines. The draft includes:
- Rules to tender nuclear power generation capacity through an auction process
- Staggered delivery, from 2038-2047
- A six-month period, from effectivity of the guidelines, for the DOE to issue generic site identification and screening parameters for the tender, for the purpose of tender design, procurement, capacity allocation, and bidder eligibility
- Inclusion of a provision for the winning bidder to request negotiation of sovereign support, sovereign guarantee, or other government support arrangement
- Option of government to acquire up to 10% equity in the project company
The draft lists the following indicative timelines:
| Milestone | Indicative Timeline |
| Issuance of the Department Circular (DC) |
2026 |
| Issuance of Terms of Reference (TOR) and generic site selection parameters |
Within six months from effectivity of the DC |
| Publication of Invitation to Bid | As specified in TOR |
| Bidder registration and qualification |
As specified in TOR |
| Pre-bid conference and bid bulletins |
As specified in TOR |
| Tender Proper |
June 2027 |
| Post-tender evaluation and endorsement |
June to November 2027 |
| Issuance of Notice of Award/Certificate of Award |
December 2027 |
| License Milestone period |
As specified in TOR and subject to applicable regulatory procedures |
| Construction Completion Period |
Four (4) years from applicable construction authorization or notice-to-proceed issued after satisfaction of required authorization, unless otherwise specified |
| First target delivery |
2038 |
| Second target delivery |
2040 |
| Full staggered delivery horizon |
2038-2047, unless otherwise specified |
The DOE's release of the draft guidelines marks a key milestone in the operationalization of the Philippines' nuclear energy program. Potential investors and power sector stakeholders should monitor the development and issuance of the final guidelines, and evaluate early-stage entry strategies.