Philippines

The Philippines recognizes hydrogen as a pivotal component in achieving its decarbonization goals. The Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated efforts to integrate hydrogen into the country’s energy mix, focusing on its potential to decarbonize power generation and transportation sectors. [1]

In a groundbreaking development, natural hydrogen seepage was discovered in the Nagsasa field in Zambales Province. The DOE has identified two areas for hydrogen exploration: PDA-PH-1 in Zambales and PDA-PH-2 in Pangasinan, covering a combined area of over 230,000 hectares.

In 2023, the Philippine government developed the “Hydrogen and Fusion Energy Roadmap” to contribute to carbon neutrality and energy transition. This roadmap emphasizes the potential of hydrogen and ammonia as zero-emission fuels for energy applications. [1]

Further solidifying its commitment, the DOE issued Department Order No. DO2024-04-0004 in January 2024, defining green hydrogen as being produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, biogas reforming, or biochemical conversion of biomass. [2] The order provides incentives for hydrogen projects, including tax breaks, duty exemptions for equipment and materials, and tax credits on domestic capital equipment and services.

• Renewable Energy Potential 

The Philippines boasts substantial renewable energy potential:

• Solar Energy: The country has an estimated solar photovoltaic (PV) potential of 122 GW. As of the end of 2023, the cumulative installed PV capacity was approximately 1.7 GW. [1] [2]

• Wind Energy: The Philippines has an estimated offshore wind potential of 178 GW. [3] As of 2020, the total installed wind power capacity was 443 MW. [4]

• Hydropower: The country possesses considerable potential in hydropower, with 428 identified projects totaling an estimated capacity of 18,902.96 MW. [5]

• Geothermal: The country ranks third globally in geothermal energy production, following the United States and Indonesia. The Philippines has an estimated geothermal potential of around 4,064 MW, of which over 1,900 MW has already been developed and is operational. Major geothermal power plants include Makban Geothermal Power Plant (Laguna-Batangas border) with a capacity of 458 MW and Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant (Albay province) with a capacity of 157 MW. [6]

• Bioenergy: As of 2024, Philippines recorded a capacity of 800 MW. [7] The Philippines is rich in biomass resources, including agricultural residues such as rice hulls, rice straw, coconut husks and shells, bagasse, and cane trash. The country has an estimated biomass energy potential exceeding 200 MW, with specific contributions from sugar residues (90 MW), rice residues (40 MW), and coconut residues (20 MW). [8]

While the Philippines currently lacks a domestic manufacturing base for hydrogen technologies, the government’s strategic roadmap includes [1] :

• Encouraging Local Industries: Promoting the development of local industries for the production of hydrogen equipment.

• Facilitating Technology Transfer: Establishing research and development centers focused on hydrogen technologies and facilitating technology transfer through international partnerships.

Several significant projects are underway to harness the Philippines’ renewable energy potential:

• HDF Energy Partnership: Hydrogène de France (HDF) Energy has partnered with the Philippine government to develop green hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. This collaboration aims to deploy HDF’s Renewstable® hydrogen power plants, delivering continuous, renewable electricity to public power grids and producing green hydrogen to help decarbonize heavy maritime and rail transport. [1]

• Olutanga Renewstable® Power Plant: HDF Energy’s project in Olutanga is the first of its kind in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It positions Olutanga as a green energy island, showcasing the potential of hydrogen-based power solutions in off-grid areas. [2]