- The Philippines has emerged as a focal point for global hydrogen exploration, attracting international bids from companies across Australia, Europe, and North America for native hydrogen development.
- This unique initiative, focusing on exploring naturally occurring hydrogen, distinguishes the Philippines as a pioneer in this field, with significant deadlines approaching for bid submissions and qualifications.
MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines has captured global attention with its recent announcement of opening bids for native hydrogen exploration. During a recent briefing, Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales revealed a surprisingly high level of international interest, following promotional roadshows for the two designated areas in Zambales and Pangasinan.
Unique Bidding for Native Hydrogen
The DOE has offered two predetermined areas for exploration—PDA-PH-1 and PDA-PH-2, covering 134,096 hectares and 96,439 hectares respectively. This initiative marks a novel approach as it focuses specifically on exploring naturally occurring hydrogen, a strategy not commonly pursued elsewhere.
International Participation and Methods
The interest from international firms, including those from Australia, Europe, and North America, highlights the growing importance of hydrogen as a clean energy source. While Japan and China are advancing their hydrogen production through electrolysis, the Philippines is exploring the potential of naturally occurring hydrogen. This method involves extracting hydrogen that is naturally present in the environment, which could offer a sustainable alternative to the more energy-intensive electrolysis process.
Key Dates and Expectations
The bidding process is heating up with a deadline for submissions set for August 27, followed by the announcement of qualifications on September 24. Undersecretary Sales emphasized the selection criteria, noting that successful applicants must demonstrate a robust understanding of the resource potential and an effective plan to map and test these opportunities.
Strategic Interest from Europe
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla pointed out the strong European interest in the Philippines’ hydrogen potential, referencing natural hydrogen discoveries in Mali and France as analogous examples. This international enthusiasm underscores the strategic importance of the Philippines in the global energy transition towards more sustainable sources.
As the deadline approaches, the DOE anticipates a competitive bidding process, reflecting the significant global interest and the innovative approach the Philippines is taking towards hydrogen exploration. This could potentially position the Philippines as a leader in the development of naturally occurring hydrogen resources.
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