The Department of Energy recently conducted a reconnaissance survey in Palawan from August 12 to 15 to explore “white hydrogen” potential in the province.
The survey is the second leg of its nationwide initiative to assess the Philippines’ potential for native hydrogen, a naturally occurring low-carbon energy source also being referred to as “white hydrogen.” The first leg was conducted in the provinces of Zambales and Pangasinan from June 30 to July 4.
The activity involved the collection of critical water, gas, and rock samples from hot springs and outcrops in the municipalities of Sofronio Española and Narra, and the City of Puerto Princesa.
The earlier survey in Zambales and Pangasinan covered predetermined contract blocks offered in the 2024 Philippine Bid Round, which included Mangatarem Hot Spring in Pangasinan and the Botolan Hot Spring.
Experts from the DOE will then conduct laboratory analysis to determine their potential, with results to be used as a guide for a broader strategy for harnessing indigenous clean energy resources.
Initial fieldwork results from sites such as Kay’s Hot Spring in Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, and Bato-Bato Hot Spring in Brgy. Calategas, Narra, revealed promising indicators of naturally occurring hydrogen.
This underscores Palawan’s potential to further contribute to the Philippines’ clean energy transition, apart from the Malampaya project.
The initial survey also provided baseline geological and environmental data to support service contractors in guiding exploration activities, helping determine priority areas and appropriate methodologies for clean energy development.
The Palawan, Zambales, and Pangasinan surveys also serve as preparatory groundwork for the country’s first-ever specialized training on native hydrogen exploration, which will gather local and international technical experts later this year.
DOE stated that the pioneering initiatives reaffirm its commitment to unlocking new indigenous energy frontiers, advancing scientific knowledge, and fueling a sustainable future for the Filipino people.
The survey also forms part of its program to explore the country’s nine ophiolite belts. A joint technical team from the Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB) and the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services (ERTLS) was deployed to investigate potential sites across Palawan.
“This effort forms part of the DOE’s mission to enhance national energy security, diversify the energy mix, and accelerate the transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable energy future,” a statement from the department said.
