The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is studying the possibility of converting the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) into a hyperscale data center, citing the facility’s infrastructure, strategic location, and existing fiber optic connectivity.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said Wednesday that the agency will complete its technical feasibility study once the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA Philippines) finishes its ongoing assessment — in coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) — on the BNPP’s potential revival for energy generation. The KOICA study is expected to conclude by November 2025.
Aguda said the DICT is also considering a public-private partnership for the possible data center development but noted that discussions remain preliminary.
He added that major hyperscalers have expressed concerns over power supply and internet connectivity, two key factors for hosting large-scale data centers in the Philippines. However, the government has taken steps to address these issues:
Power: New power projects have been approved, lowering electricity rates.
Connectivity: The National Fiber Backbone (NFB) project is expected to improve nationwide internet infrastructure.
Aguda also noted that the private sector currently leads in building large-scale data centers, making partnerships a faster and more feasible approach.
“To build a facility like that will take you two years. And now, we’re in a hurry to provide the service right away. So, the fastest way is to tap the private sector first,” he said.
The move aligns with the government’s broader push to accelerate digital transformation, attract foreign tech investors, and position the Philippines as a competitive hub for hyperscale data center operations in Southeast Asia.