The Department of Energy (DOE) has conducted a reconnaissance survey in Zambales and Pangasinan preparatory to crafting the country’s first native hydrogen exploration service contracts. The effort is a critical step in positioning hydrogen as a resource in the country’s clean energy transition, particularly through co-firing with natural gas to reduce emissions.
The surveyed sites, including the Mangatarem and Botolan hot springs in Pangasinan and Zambales and the Nagsasa Seeps also in Zambales, fall within the contract areas under the 2024 Philippine Energy Bid Round. These areas have shown strong geological potential for natural hydrogen based on surface indicators like ophiolitic rocks and hot spring formations.
Energy undersecretary Alessandro Sales said the survey aims to guide service contractors in prioritizing sites for deeper exploration and supports a science-driven, risk-reduced development process. Contractors are expected to invest more than US$5 million as initial investment.
This development also supports technical training for local and international participants, with the DOE planning the country’s first specialized course in hydrogen exploration later this year.
Significantly, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has identified San Antonio, Zambales, as having the highest natural hydrogen seep, emitting over 800 tons annually, underscoring the resource’s potential.
This also marks a shift in energy policy on indigenous hydrogen as part of broader decarbonization efforts.
