Koloma seeks more deals after hydrogen finds
AMERICAN firm Koloma operates in the Philippines with three service contracts granted by the Philippine government, the third contract allowing it to explore natural hydrogen in Western Zambales with the Department of Energy Philippines, a development described by US Ambassador Lee Lipton as a ‘huge step in energy innovation and an important milestone for the United States and the Philippines as partners in prosperity.’
Photograph courtesy of US Embassy in the Philippines
United States-based exploration firm Koloma Inc. is seeking two additional natural hydrogen service contracts in the Philippines to expand its exploration footprint after initial surveys indicated the presence of hydrogen deposits.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin confirmed on Thursday the company has gathered seismic and geological data showing promising hydrogen potential in its existing exploration areas, prompting it to pursue more contracts.
“They already have the data on their seismic and all the surveys that they have done. They have seen data that shows that there is hydrogen in the area,” Garin said.
Two-dimensional seismic activities
Koloma has undertaken two-dimensional seismic activities and deployed advanced geoscience and exploration technologies to evaluate potential hydrogen deposits.
Natural hydrogen, also known as geologic or white hydrogen, occurs naturally beneath the Earth’s surface and could provide a low-carbon energy source if commercially recoverable deposits are confirmed.
The planned expansion could strengthen Koloma’s position in the country’s emerging natural hydrogen industry, giving it access to additional exploration areas as it assesses the commercial viability of the resource.
Philippine hydrogen potential
Garin said Koloma’s interest in securing more contracts reflects growing confidence in the country’s hydrogen potential.
“It’s an exploration company, and they currently have two contracts and they’re asking for two more, which means that they’re very positive about the results,” she said. “There are more companies that are now asking for a contract also, so that’s a good sign. Hopefully, it will help energy security.”
The DoE is also looking to collaborate with Koloma in developing local expertise in natural hydrogen, including its potential applications in electricity generation and fertilizer production.
The Philippines was the first country to conduct a competitive public bidding round for natural hydrogen exploration, which attracted interest from companies seeking to develop indigenous energy resources.
Third service contract
In July, Koloma secured its third hydrogen service contract, which expanded its exclusive exploration rights to more than 4,100 square kilometers across Central Luzon and western Zambales.
Service Contract No. 92, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., covers natural hydrogen exploration in western Zambales and builds on the company’s first two contracts awarded in October 2025.