The Department of Energy (DOE) inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australian firm Star Scientific Ltd. for the latter to study and explore the potential of hydrogen technology applications in the Philippine energy sector.

The Aussie research and development (R&D) firm’s engagement for hydrogen study came with a support from the Australian government for such initiative.

In last Wednesday’s (January 27) signing of the deal, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi reiterated his belief that “there could be a lot of potential for hydrogen for the local industry given that it is seen as the fuel of the future.”

The MOU was signed by Cusi and Star Scientific Senior Advisor to the Executive Chairman Robert Briggs; and it was witnessed by Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson and other DOE officials.

As initially perceived, hydrogen is seen as sustainable replacement fuel for the transport sector; and it also has the potential for a technology coupling with battery storage – that in turn could address the variability or intermittency of generation of some renewable sources, primarily solar and wind.

For finally embarking on a serious study on the prospects for this technology in the Philippines, Cusi expressed utmost gratitude to the Australian government and Star Scientific for the research endeavor that will soon be taking off.

Cusi said the outcome of the study on hydrogen will aid DOE to “explore the potential of producing hydrogen via renewable sources and other energy assets.”

The energy chief further sounded off the country’s hope “to be able to utilize hydrogen as fuel for electric vehicles and as part of the country’s future energy mix.”

For the research and development work to be carried out for the country, the Australian company will bank on its breakthrough technology Hydrogen Energy Release Optimiser (HERO), which converts hydrogen into heat without combustion.

In particular, the DOE and Star Scientific will have to examine: ways in which Star’s HERO technology can be used to convert existing power assets within the Philippines to unlimited zero-emissions hydrogen assets; and assess the viability of increased distribution of emission-free power by way of a super critical CO2 grid network powered by HERO technology.

Further, the parties will explore “desalination options for both existing and new systems throughout the Philippines with the use of the HERO technology.”

As stated in the MOU, “the parties will investigate hydrogen production in the Philippines in an effort to make the country energy independent so as to significantly reduce the country’s CO2 emissions.”