The search for native hydrogen or “white survey sources undertaken in Palawan from Aug 12 1o 15 this year, has shown “promising indicators,” the Department of Energy (DOE) said.
In a news release Wednesday, the DOE said the survey was undertaken in several areas including Kay’s Hot Spring in Brgy. Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City, and Bato-Bato Hot Spring in Brgy. Calategas, Narra town, and in Puerto Princesa City.
These studies, which form part of the second phase of the nationwide check on the country’s potential sources of low-carbon energy, also referred to as ”white hydrogen,” revealed “promising indicators of naturally occurring hydrogen, underscoring Palawan’s potential to further contribute to the Philippines’ clean energy transition, apart from the Malampaya project,” the study report said.
The joint technical team from the Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB) and the Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services (ERTLS) gathered 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 DOE said.
“The samples will undergo laboratory analysis by the DOE to determine their potential and to guide the country’s broader strategy for harnessing indigenous clean energy resources. 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,” it said.
The first reconnaissance survey was held from June 30 to July 4 at the Botolan Hot Spring and Nagsasa Seeps in Zambales and the Mangatarem Hot Spring in Pangasinan, among the nine areas being considered for native hydrogen exploration, a world first since the Philippines is the first to have the framework for such activity.
The other areas are the Casiguran Ophiolite belt in Aurora province; Angat Ophiolite Belt in Bulacan; Eastern Bicol-Eastern Mindanao Ophiolite Belt; Antique Ophiolite Belt; Western Bicol-Eastern Leyte Ophiolite Belt; Zamboanga-Sulu Ophiolite Belt; and Central Mindanao Ophiolite Belt.(With PNA)