Philippines begins native hydrogen exploration with US firm

Koloma started with a 132.6-line kilometre survey to map underground formations.

The Philippines has started exploration activities to assess the potential of native hydrogen resources in Pangasinan, with US-based Koloma Inc. beginning a 2D seismic survey under Service Contract (SC) No. 84.

The 132.6-line kilometre survey will map underground geological structures and identify formations that may contain naturally occurring hydrogen, supporting further exploration activities by improving understanding of the area's subsurface geology.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin led the commencement activity in Bugallon, Pangasinan, on 10 July.

Before the commencement activity, Garin conducted an aerial inspection of the Los Fuegos Eternos natural gas seep area in Zambales, where geological sampling was carried out in May to verify the presence of hydrogen gas.

The Department of Energy (DOE) said initial sampling results showed promising findings that warrant further studies and exploration.

Koloma conducted an aero-gravity and magnetics (AGM) survey covering 27,976.5 line kilometres from March to early June to map geological structures in the exploration area.

The company prepared for the seismic survey whilst processing of the acquired AGM data continues.

“Native hydrogen occurs naturally beneath the Earth’s surface, unlike conventional hydrogen that is produced through industrial processes,” the DOE said.

The agency said commercially viable native hydrogen resources could provide another indigenous energy source for the Philippines and support efforts to diversify energy resources.

The exploration covers areas under SC No. 84 in Pangasinan, whilst Koloma is also conducting exploration under the adjacent SC No. 83, which covers parts of Zambales.

The DOE has included native hydrogen in the country’s petroleum service contract system to provide a regulatory framework for exploration activities.

Under the system, service contractors bear all technical, operational, and financial risks, with no direct government funding used for exploration, development, or production.