Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) and partner-firms are targeting to invest $1.5 billion for the rollout of green hydrogen solutions across 15 project-sites in the country – primarily areas in Mindanao that are physically isolated from the main grid and have been relying heavily on diesel-fired generating facilities.

Mathieu Geze, president and director of HDF Energy Philippines Holdings Inc., primarily disclosed that “electric cooperatives and consultants demonstrate our dedication to our goal of establishing 15 projects in the Philippines, valued at $1.5 billion,” adding that “ten (10) of these projects are planned for implementation in Mindanao.”

This early, however, he has been pleading for “strong support from both local and national stakeholders,” because that will be a key element for them to accelerate the planned technology deployment for the specified projects.

As a takeoff point to that goal, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was sealed between HDF and the Department of Energy (DOE) with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on reinforcing research and development (R&E) initiatives for the propounded green hydrogen infrastructure development in the Philippines.

Signing of MOU for R&D initiatives on the deployment of green technology solutions in the Philippines

Green hydrogen, in particular, is a carbon free fuel that could be produced by electrolyzing water and renewable energy (RE) sources – and touted as a major future solution to decarbonizing energy systems.

HDF said it will target multiple green hydrogen power plants that will lean on Renewstable® technology, which is seen ideal across off-grid areas that have been left with no choice but to cling on to heavy dependency on fossil fuels for their electricity services.

To gain development traction on this sphere, HDF stated that it is currently working with Reurasia, a Philippine company that has been advancing innovative RE solutions within the Southeast Asian region.

According to Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, “the signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a sustainable and resilient energy future.”

He expounded the deal “underscores our collective commitment to harnessing the power of hydrogen technologies which is a pivotal step in achieving our national energy goals.”

MinDA Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, for his part, sounded off Mindanao’s enthusiasm on the planned projects, while asserting that through the signing of this MoU,” the projects HDF Energy has planned will come to fruition, benefiting not only Mindanao but the entire Philippines.”

The company, which is listed at the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange, conveyed that the Renewstable® technology, “presents a green alternative to conventional diesel fuel power plants by utilizing solely solar or wind energy and water to generate electricity, thus mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.”

The French firm further qualified “this pivotal agreement aims to drive research and development in efficient technologies for harnessing renewable energy sources and locally produced green hydrogen for sustainable application across targeted regions throughout the Philippines.”

With the amalgamation of hydrogen and RE resources, HDF emphasized that this brings in “ability to provide clean, baseload non-intermittent power, day and night, by combining an intermittent renewable energy source with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen.”

France Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel highlighted that “energy security is a top priority in strengthening the relationship between France and the Philippines,” noting that “the Philippines can rely on French companies like HDF Energy, which are at the forefront of developing new technologies.”

The envoy stressed “the future demands investments in green technologies, particularly in regions like Mindanao, and the French government fully supports the DoE’s plan to mainstream greener, more sustainable, and cost-effective energy solutions”

It was further stipulated that “under this agreement, HDF Energy, together with the DoE and MinDA, commits to jointly fostering investments in renewable energy technologies, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen-based solutions.”

The newly cemented pact is advancing from the initial collaboration between MinDA and state-run National Power Corporation (NPC) which first explored green hydrogen development plan as part of the country’s energy transition agenda.