STUDY UNDERWAY. Department of Information and Communications Technology Sec. Henry Aguda told journalists Wednesday night (Aug. 20, 2025) the government is studying the feasibility of using the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), which has never been commissioned, as a hyperscale data center. Although there is also a study to revive the BNPP to boost power capacity in the country, Aguda said the study is being done to check the power plant's other usage, citing that it has the ingredients to cater to a hyperscale data center. (PNA photo by Joann S. Villanueva)
MANILA – The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is conducting a study to explore the feasibility of using the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) as a hyperscale data center.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda told reporters Wednesday night that the mothballed power plant has the necessary facilities to cater to a large-scale data center, including infrastructure, a suitable location, and fiber optic connectivity, among others.
He said they would finish their technical feasibility study once the study being done by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA Philippines) is finished.
The KOICA Philippines study, being done in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE), aims to check the feasibility for the revival of the power plant to boost the country's energy sources. It is targeted to be finished by November this year.
Asked whether the DICT is considering a public-private partnership for the possible development of the BNPP as a data center, Aguda said they are still considering the options.
On whether the country can host large-scale data centers, Aguda said they have discussed this with hyperscalers, which have raised issues on power supply and connectivity.
He said the government has addressed power issues through the approval of more power projects, and even noted in his speech during the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) membership meeting in Makati City Wednesday that the country no longer has the most expensive power rate in Asia as a result.
In terms of internet connectivity, Aguda said the government will be able to address this issue through the National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project.
When asked about the government's digitization measures, Aguda said the hyperscalers are now more convinced that there is a market for big data centers in the country.
However, with the government focused on ensuring connectivity around the country for now, he said it is more feasible to partner with the private sector as a provider for hyperscale data centers, pointing out that the private sector has more big data centers now compared to DICT alone.
"To build a facility like that will take you two years. And now, we're in a hurry to provide the (internet connectivity) service right away. So, the fastest way is to tap the private sector first," he added. (PNA)
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