Manila: The survey held from August 12 to 15 this year aimed to discover potential sources of native hydrogen in Palawan showed 'promising indicators,' the Department of Energy (DOE) said Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOE announced in a news release that the survey was conducted in several areas, including Kay's Hot Spring in Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, and Bato-Bato Hot Spring in Brgy. Calategas, municipality of Narra, as well as in Puerto Princesa City. These studies are part of the second phase of a nationwide effort to identify the country's potential for low-carbon energy sources, specifically 'white hydrogen.' The results revealed promising indicators of naturally occurring hydrogen, which highlights Palawan's potential to contribute to the Philippines' clean energy transition beyond the Malampaya project.
The joint technical team comprising members from the Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB) and the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services (ERTLS) collected essential water, gas, and rock samples from hot springs and outcrops in the municipalities of Sofronio Espa±ola and Narra, and the City of Puerto Princesa. The DOE stated that these samples would undergo laboratory analysis to assess their potential and guide the country's broader strategy for harnessing indigenous clean energy resources. This initiative is part of the DOE's mission to enhance national energy security, diversify the energy mix, and accelerate the transition towards a low-carbon and sustainable energy future.
The first reconnaissance survey took place from June 30 to July 4 at the Botolan Hot Spring and Nagsasa Seeps in Zambales and the Mangatarem Hot Spring in Pangasinan. These areas are among the nine being considered for native hydrogen exploration, marking a global first as the Philippines is the inaugural nation to establish a framework for such activity. The other areas under consideration include the Casiguran Ophiolite belt in Aurora province; Angat Ophiolite Belt in Bulacan; Eastern Bicol-Eastern Mindanao Ophiolite Belt; Antique Ophiolite Belt; Western Bicol-Eastern Leyte Ophiolite Belt; Zamboanga-Sulu Ophiolite Belt; and Central Mindanao Ophiolite Belt.
