A foreign firm is set to conduct technical studies and tests this month for the possible development of a hydrogen power plant in Olutanga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay, according to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
In a statement, MinDA said that Hydrogene de France (HDF) Energy is set to do technical studies and tests in a 17-hectare land, including a geotechnical survey, hydrological survey and an environmental survey, starting January 23.
The agency said the geotechnical survey includes elevation, soil test and flood analysis while the hydrological survey and study include ground water depth, source and sea water distance and hydrogen component of sea water, with the environmental study focused on tree tagging, flora and fauna, air, water and soil components.
HDF Energy is interested in building a 45 megawatts hydrogen power plant on the island.
Meanwhile, the municipalities of Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon and Baliguian in Zamboanga del Norte, the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) expressed interest in obtaining electricity from the upcoming power source.
MinDA said the Zambo Ecozone will facilitate a 50-hectare land requirement in the ecozone while Zamcelco will also facilitate the land requirement in Vitali, Zamboanga City.
Apart from the hydrogen power plant, the agency said that a bulk water project with a desalination facility equipped with solar panels is also being eyed in Olutanga Island to help farmers grow high-value crops.
Data from the Department of Energy as of end-November 2022 show neither committed nor indicative hydrogen power plant developments in the country.
