The Department of Energy welcomes the entry into force on 02 July 2024 of the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or the 123 Agreement signed by the United States and the Philippines in San Francisco, United States of America (USA) on 16 November 2023.

This Agreement provides for the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, for information, knowledge, and technology exchange related to nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation. It 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.

The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines formally informed the United States last 26 June 2024 that the Philippines has completed its domestic requirements for the Agreement’s entry into force.  

The 123 Agreement will pave the way for the transfer of information and expertise, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers.

The Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee(NEP-IAC) is now finalizing the country’s 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 (PEP), the entry of nuclear power generation capacities is targeted in 2032 with at least 1,200 MW, and additional 1,200 MW by 2035 and 2,400 MW by 2050. ###