Koloma has been awarded Petroleum Service Contracts No. 83 and No. 84 for natural hydrogen exploration in Central Luzon during a contract signing ceremony at Malacañang Palace. The ceremony was presided over by president Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with secretary of Energy Sharon S. Garin, secretary of Environment and Natural Resources Raphael P. M. Lotilla, and undersecretary of Energy Alessandro O. Sales officiating. U.S. ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay L. Carlson attended the proceedings.
Historic Competitive Bid Round
The awards represent the result of the first competitive bid round for natural hydrogen, marking a historic moment on the global stage for the Philippines. The contracts establish a framework for Koloma to conduct exploration activities targeting naturally occurring hydrogen resources in the Central Luzon region.
Presidential Recognition
President Marcos lauded the first hydrogen exploration contracts during the ceremony, framing them as signalling the Philippines’ readiness to lead in sustainable innovation. Koloma expressed full support for this national objective as it mobilises its exploration programme in Central Luzon.
Company Statement and Strategic Vision
Tim Chisholm, Koloma’s chief exploration and operations officer, extended deep appreciation to the Philippines Department of Energy and the Office of the President for their leadership, professionalism, and science-based framework enabling the contract awards. He characterised the Philippines as representing a world-class hydrogen exploration opportunity that could impact the entire Asia-Pacific energy landscape.
Chisholm stated that a commercial discovery of natural hydrogen would transform the Philippines into a global hub for clean, low-carbon primary energy, ushering in a new era of national energy prosperity and security. Koloma expressed commitment to a long and productive partnership with the government and people of the Philippines, led by the Department of Energy and president Marcos’s administration.
Natural Hydrogen Exploration Context
Natural or native hydrogen refers to naturally occurring hydrogen gas generated through geological processes, as distinct from manufactured hydrogen produced through industrial processes such as steam methane reforming or electrolysis. Geological hydrogen can accumulate in subsurface reservoirs through various natural mechanisms, potentially providing primary energy sources requiring minimal processing.
The Philippines’ establishment of a competitive bid framework for natural hydrogen exploration positions the country among the first jurisdictions globally to create regulatory structures specifically addressing this emerging resource category. As interest in hydrogen as a clean energy carrier intensifies globally, identification of naturally occurring hydrogen deposits could provide cost advantages compared to manufactured hydrogen requiring substantial energy inputs.
Strategic Importance for Energy Security
For the Philippines, domestic hydrogen resources could enhance energy security by reducing dependence on imported fuels whilst providing clean energy supporting decarbonisation objectives. The archipelagic nation currently imports substantial portions of its energy requirements, creating vulnerability to international price volatility and supply disruptions.
Commercial natural hydrogen discoveries would establish indigenous primary energy resources supporting domestic power generation, industrial applications, and potentially hydrogen export opportunities to regional markets pursuing decarbonisation pathways. The Central Luzon location provides proximity to major population centres and industrial areas, potentially facilitating resource development and utilisation.
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