US Firm Eyes Offshore Palawan for Native Hydrogen Exploration

US-based Koloma Inc. intends to expand its search for native hydrogen resources in the Philippines, proposing exploration offshore Palawan, in addition to its current activities in Zambales and Pangasinan. The Department of Energy (DOE) has opened a 712,000-hectare area nominated by Koloma in the East Palawan Basin to competing applications. A pre-submission conference is scheduled for September 4, with challengers required to submit their documents by October 14, when bids will also be opened. Challengers must pay a P1 million application fee on or before the bid submission deadline. If Koloma secures the area, it would mark the company's fourth native hydrogen service contract in the Philippines. The US firm was granted Service Contract 92 in July, expanding its exploration rights to western Zambales. This followed the acquisition of two other native hydrogen contracts—SCs 83 and 84 in Central Luzon—last year. Koloma had previously commenced exploration activities in Pangasinan with a 2D seismic survey to map underground geological features and identify potential hydrogen-bearing formations. This survey was conducted after initial geological sampling indicated findings that warranted further studies and exploration. The DOE anticipates that drilling activities will commence later this year or in early 2027. If commercially viable reserves are confirmed, native hydrogen could emerge as an additional indigenous energy source to support the country’s clean energy transition. Native hydrogen is a naturally occurring resource found beneath the earth’s surface, distinct from conventional hydrogen produced through industrial processes. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that the awarding of hydrogen contracts underscores the government’s push to diversify the country’s power mix, which is currently dominated by coal at around 60 percent, with renewable energy accounting for approximately 25 percent.