Pangasinan: Koloma Inc. has commenced a 2D seismic survey in Bugallon, Pangasinan to map subsurface geological structures and identify potential native hydrogen-bearing formations, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin led the commencement activity on July 10.
According to Philippines News Agency, prior to the event, Garin conducted an aerial inspection of the Los Fuegos Eternos natural gas seep area, where geological sampling was conducted in May this year to verify the presence of hydrogen gas. The initial results showed promising findings that warrant further studies and exploration.
Koloma Inc. also acquired a total of 27,976.5-line kilometers of aero-gravity and magnetics survey (AGM) from March until early June this year, with the aim of mapping geological structures. While processing of acquired AGM data is ongoing, Koloma Inc. followed through with preparations and mobilization for the seismic survey.
The 132.6-line kilometers of 2D seismic survey will generate detailed images of underground rock formations to help identify areas that may contain naturally occurring hydrogen. The results will guide succeeding exploration activities and improve understanding of the area's subsurface geology.
In a virtual briefing, DOE Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said Koloma could start drilling the first well by the end of this year or early 2027. "Given the intense interest of Koloma, talagang advanced sila sa prosecution ng kanilang committed work program. (Given the intense interest, Koloma is really advancing the prosecution of its committed work program)," Sales said.
"After the seismic survey, their next commitment is to drill the well. Ang tingin naming (We think) they could actually be drilling the well by the end of this year or the first quarter of next year. But at the end of the day, exploration po ito (this is still exploration). Hindi pa natin alam kung magkakaron ng enough deposit na pwede maging commercial (We do not yet know whether we have a deposit large enough to be commercially viable). So it needs to be drilled, and we need to measure how much can be extracted from the ground."
Native hydrogen occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, unlike conventional hydrogen that is produced through industrial processes. If commercially viable resources are confirmed, native hydrogen could provide an additional indigenous energy source that supports the country's clean energy transition while strengthening long-term energy security.
Sales said Koloma has two contracts - Service Contract 83 and Service Contract 84. "If we combine the commitments for these two contracts, I think the total investment over the seven-year period will be around USD8 million to USD9 million, including the drilling of the well," he said.
The DOE said the seismic survey forms part of the government's broader initiative to evaluate the country's native hydrogen potential and diversify indigenous energy resources.
