Local and international stakeholders convened to discuss the potential conversion of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) located in Morong town into a state-of-the-art data center.

The meeting brought together key representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), government officials, and private sector experts to explore opportunities for collaboration and funding.

Leading the discussions were Bataan 2nd District Rep. Abet Garcia, Bataan 3rd District Representative Gila Garcia, ADB Philippines Country Director Pavit Ramachandran, ADB Private Sector Development Regional Head Pratish Halady, and Architect Henry Mayuga. They were joined by representatives from the Provincial Government of Bataan reflecting the strong alignment between national and local priorities in visualizing the BNPP’s potential.

Congressman Garcia emphasized the strategic importance of repurposing the BNPP, which has stood dormant for decades, into a digital infrastructure hub.

“This initiative symbolizes our commitment to harnessing modern technology for economic growth while ensuring sustainability and maximizing the use of existing resources,” he said.

ADB Country Director Pavit Ramachandran expressed the institution’s enthusiasm for the project. “ADB is keen to support innovative ventures like this that align with our mission of driving inclusive development. The proposed data center can serve as a model for infrastructure transformation in the region,” he noted.

The proposed project envisions converting the iconic nuclear facility into a cutting-edge data center, leveraging its robust infrastructure to meet the growing demands of the digital age. The discussions also focused on integrating sustainable practices into the design, ensuring environmental and economic benefits for the province and beyond.

Stakeholders left the meeting optimistic, with next steps including feasibility studies, technical assessments, and identifying potential funding sources. The collaboration between the Provincial Government of Bataan, ADB, and private sector experts is expected to drive progress and attract further investments in the region.

As Bataan positions itself as a hub for innovation and sustainability, the project exemplifies how public-private partnerships can pave the way for economic progress and technological advancement.

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