Makati city: As more data centers locate in the Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) will issue a data center energization policy by March to assure investors of stable power supply. Interviewed on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum in Makati City on Tuesday, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the planned policy will underscore the need for clean and reliable energy.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garin stated, "There are existing ways, pero para clear lang sa ating (but we'll issue a policy so that it will be clear to) possible investors. We'll work with the DICT (Department of Information and Commission Technology) on that." During a panel discussion, Garin emphasized the government's push for nuclear energy to boost capacity for data centers, noting its ability to provide 24-hour capacity unlike other renewable energy sources.

Garin also mentioned that there is interest from both international and domestic investors to pioneer nuclear energy projects. She acknowledged that while some regulatory work remains, her ambition is to at least grant licenses during the current administration. The DOE has finalized a licensing roadmap for nuclear power projects with other stakeholders, aiming to issue licenses to proponents within the year.

This initiative aligns with the goal of increasing renewable energy's share in the country's power mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. Garin highlighted the reliability of nuclear power for data centers due to its steady baseload and economies of scale, stating, "If we want cheaper electricity, steady electricity, I think nuclear is one of our best solutions."