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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Trade & Industry devider White Hydrogen seen boosting energy shift beyond Malampaya

White Hydrogen seen boosting energy shift beyond Malampaya

Published Aug 20, 2025 11:50 am  |  Updated Aug 20, 2025 03:11 pm
In addition to the Malampaya natural gas project, a new low-carbon energy source has been identified and studied in Palawan province, offering fresh potential to support the country’s renewable energy (RE) transition.
In a statement on Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Department of Energy (DOE) said its technical team from the Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB) and the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services (ERTLS) found indicators of naturally occurring white hydrogen in Palawan, with samples set to undergo further laboratory analysis.
The assessment, supported by further scientific studies, aims to help harness indigenous clean energy resources discovered in the municipalities of Sofronio Española and Narra, as well as in Puerto Princesa City.
This update follows the site investigation of the DOE’s technical team in Palawan, as they sampled critical water, gas, and rocks from hot springs and outcrops in Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, and Brgy. Calategas in the municipality of Narra.
The survey was also conducted with the support of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) MIMAROPA, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), and the provincial, municipal, city, and barangay governments in Palawan. MIMAROPA is the region that includes the provinces of Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.
“The Palawan, Zambales, and Pangasinan surveys also serve as preparatory groundwork for the country’s first-ever specialized training on native hydrogen exploration, which will gather local and international technical experts later this year,” the DOE stated.
Recently, Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin disclosed interest from the United States (US) in exploring natural hydrogen in the Philippines, with plans to secure sites in Zambales pending approval from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In July, the DOE completed its first reconnaissance survey in Zambales and Pangasinan to gather baseline geological and environmental data. The results will guide service contractors in identifying priority areas and appropriate methods for future hydrogen exploration.
While no hydrogen exploration contracts have yet to be awarded, the DOE hopes to secure its first hydrogen study within the year.
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