US-based Koloma gets 3rd natural hydrogen exploration contract

US-based hydrogen exploration company Koloma Inc. has secured a third contract from the Philippine government to explore for naturally occurring hydrogen in western Zambales province, effectively expanding its exploration footprint in the country.

The exclusive exploration rights for Koloma, under Service Contract (SC) No. 92, were signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Department of Energy (DOE) said in a statement on Friday.

The Energy Department said the SC 92 is the third natural hydrogen service contract granted to Koloma under the agency’s indigenous energy exploration program.

The first two service contracts were awarded to Koloma in October 2025 following the “world's first competitive bid round for natural hydrogen exploration,” according to the DOE.

The three contracts collectively cover more than 4,100 square kilometers across Central Luzon and western Zambales.

"Expanding our indigenous energy resources remains central to our pursuit of a secure, reliable, and sustainable energy future," said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

"The award of Service Contract No. 92 builds on the ongoing exploration activities in Central Luzon and reflects our commitment to responsibly evaluating the country's natural hydrogen potential. Should commercially viable deposits be confirmed, natural hydrogen could become an important addition to the Philippines' future energy mix, strengthening energy security, attracting investments, creating new economic opportunities, and providing a zero-emission fuel source for the power sector,” said Garin.

Natural hydrogen, sometimes referred to as geologic or white hydrogen, is an emerging energy resource generated naturally beneath the Earth's surface, the DOE said.

Unlike conventional hydrogen, natural hydrogen does not require industrial production, making it a potentially low-carbon and cost-competitive energy source if discovered in commercially recoverable quantities, it added.

For his part, Koloma CEO Pete Johnson said, “We are honored to deepen our partnership with the Government of the Philippines to pursue what could be a transformative opportunity for the country in terms of energy security and economic growth.”

“We are grateful for the government's vision and leadership in advancing natural hydrogen exploration," said Johnson.

The DOE said Koloma has commenced 2D seismic activities under its first two service contracts and continues to deploy advanced geoscience, proprietary data, and cutting-edge exploration technologies to evaluate the country's natural hydrogen potential. —AOL, GMA News