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France offers nuclear expertise to help the Philippines’ energy security
The offer is tied to potential French government funding and a role for EDF in nuclear energy security expertise, amid calls to address safety and governance concerns.
France has offered to share its nuclear energy expertise with the Philippines as Manila weighs options to strengthen long-term energy security, according to a report by SCMP Economy citing comments relayed through ABS-CBN News.
The outgoing French ambassador, Marie Fontanel, said discussions have been underway since 2023, including steps aimed at securing the possibility of a French government grant and having French utility EDF share expertise on nuclear energy security.
Analysts cited by SCMP Economy said any effort to revive nuclear power would need to overcome safety and governance concerns, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos said the focus should be on ensuring nuclear energy is safe and that benefits are explained properly to the public.
SCMP Economy also noted that the nuclear talks come as France and the Philippines upgraded defense cooperation, including a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement signed in March that allows each side to deploy troops on the other’s soil.