DOE maps out native hydrogen sites

A recent survey by the Department of Energy (DOE) is expected to fast-track the country’s push for native hydrogen by helping service contractors identify the most promising sites and providing critical baseline data.

Energy Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales said the reconnaissance survey, conducted in Zambales and Pangasinan, aims to reduce exploration risks and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

“By screening these areas, the survey will help guide service contractors in prioritizing locations for more comprehensive exploration. In essence, it lays the groundwork for where to focus efforts and what approaches to take in the pursuit of developing clean and sustainable energy sources,” Sales said in a briefing Wednesday.

The DOE’s technical team studied sites with strong geological potential, including the Mangatarem Hot Spring in Pangasinan and the Botolan Hot Spring and Nagsasa seeps in Zambales, in support of the country’s first service contracts for native hydrogen under the 2024 Philippine Energy Bid Round.

The fieldwork was done with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Regional Office No. 3, local environment offices, and local government units.

Sales said the survey also supports preparations for the country’s first training program on native hydrogen exploration, set to take place later this year for both local and foreign participants.

“We also want to build the country’s technical capacity to explore and develop its own clean energy resources,” he said. “This means equipping our scientists, engineers, and technical personnel with the skills, tools, and training needed to conduct advanced research and fieldwork in emerging energy frontiers such as native hydrogen.”

The effort adds to ongoing research by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), which found that the Nagsasa seep in San Antonio, Zambales emits over 800 tonnes of natural hydrogen each year—the highest level recorded so far. The PNRI said the area may hold even more reserves underground.