Saskatchewan and the Philippines Advance Nuclear Energy and Workforce Partnership

The governments of Saskatchewan and the Philippines are strengthening cooperation on clean energy and workforce development as part of a growing partnership to support the Philippines’ emerging nuclear energy program.

A recent Joint Working Group meeting between the Philippine Department of Energy and officials from Saskatchewan focused on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in June 2025. The agreement aims to deepen collaboration on nuclear energy development, research innovation, and the creation of a skilled workforce to support future clean energy initiatives.

A key priority of the partnership is building a strong skills pipeline for the nuclear sector. Both sides discussed establishing a joint task force to develop localized Nuclear Engineering and Safety Management curricula, working in coordination with Philippine academic institutions and Saskatchewan partners. The initiative will also include “train-the-trainer” programs for educators and technical cooperation with Saskatchewan Polytechnic to strengthen vocational and technical training in the Philippines.

Beyond workforce development, discussions also explored opportunities for technology deployment and research collaboration, including the potential application of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors to support electricity supply in island grids. Officials also exchanged views on strategies to repurpose aging coal plants and prepare infrastructure for future clean energy systems.

Leaders from both sides emphasized that developing nuclear energy requires not only advanced technology but also strong institutions, skilled professionals, and broad stakeholder engagement. The partnership also highlights Saskatchewan’s role as a global energy and research hub, supported by its universities, training institutions, and industry expertise.

As the Philippines explores nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy transition, collaboration with Canadian partners such as Saskatchewan is expected to play a key role in building institutional capacity, developing talent, and ensuring the responsible deployment of clean energy technologies.

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