MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday initial results from a reconnaissance survey show promising potential for native hydrogen in the Palawan province.
The survey, which ran from Aug. 12 to 15, is the second leg of a nationwide initiative by the DOE to assess the country’s potential for naturally occurring, low-carbon energy sources, sometimes referred to as “white hydrogen.”
A joint technical team from the DOE’s Energy Resource Development Bureau and Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services collected water, gas, and rock samples from hot springs and rock formations in the municipalities of Sofronio Española and Narra as well as Puerto Princesa province.
“Initial fieldwork results from sites such as Kay’s Hot Spring in Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, and Bato-Bato Hot Spring in Brgy. Calategas, Municipality of Narra revealed promising indicators of naturally occurring hydrogen,” the DOE said in a statement.
The DOE also noted that Palawan’s hydrogen potential could contribute to the Philippines’ clean energy transition, alongside the Malampaya natural gas project. The collected samples will be analyzed by the DOE to determine their full potential and guide the country’s broader strategy for indigenous clean energy.
The initiative is part of the DOE’s program to explore the country’s nine ophiolite belts, which are areas of rock rich in magnesium and iron often associated with native hydrogen. The areas include Zambales, Casiguran in Aurora province, Angat in Bulacan, Bicol-Eastern Mindanao, Western Bicol, Palawan, Antique, Zamboanga-Sulu and Central Mindanao.
The DOE’s first survey was conducted in Zambales and Pangasinan from June 20 to July 4. According to DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales, the surveys provide baseline data to help service contractors prioritize areas and methodologies for clean energy development.
“By identifying surface indicators such as hot springs and ophiolitic rock formations associated with natural hydrogen generation, the DOE aims to reduce exploration risks, streamline technical studies, and ensure alignment with safety and environmental standards,” the DOE said.
