DOE holds recon survey for PH’s 1st hydrogen service contracts

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday said it has conducted a reconnaissance survey in Zambales and Pangasinan, in areas to be awarded under service contracts for the country’s first native hydrogen exploration.

In a statement, the DOE said the agency is awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s signing of the service contracts for native hydrogen exploration.

With this, the Energy Department said it conducted the reconnaissance survey to support service contractors by providing baseline geological and environmental data to guide their exploration activities by identifying surface indicators such as hot springs and ophiolitic rock formations associated with natural hydrogen generation.

It said the survey was done to reduce exploration risks, streamline technical studies, and ensure alignment with safety and environmental standards. 

In particular, the DOE said its technical team conducted field assessments at the Mangatarem Hot Spring in Pangasinan and the Botolan Hot Spring and Nagsasa Seeps in Zambales. 

The survey were undertaken in close coordination with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office No. 3, the respective Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Offices (MENROs), and concerned local government units (LGUs).

“By screening these areas, the survey will help guide service contractors in prioritizing locations for more comprehensive exploration. In essence, it lays the groundwork for where to focus efforts and what approaches to take in the pursuit of developing clean and sustainable energy sources,” said Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales.

The reconnaissance survey, the DOE added, forms part of agency’s preparatory activities for the country’s first-ever training on native hydrogen exploration —a specialized course for local and international technical participants, scheduled to take place later this year.

“We also want to build the country’s technical capacity to explore and develop its own clean energy resources,” said Sales.

“This means equipping our scientists, engineers, and technical personnel with the skills, tools, and training needed to conduct advanced research and fieldwork in emerging energy frontiers such as native hydrogen,” added the DOE official. — RF, GMA Integrated News