Koloma Inc. has started a two-dimensional (2D) seismic survey to map subsurface geological structures and identify potential naturally occurring hydrogen-bearing formations within its exploration areas, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin led the launch of Koloma Inc.'s 2D seismic survey in Bugallon, Pangasinan, on July 10.
Before the ceremony, Garin conducted an aerial inspection of the Los Fuegos Eternos natural gas seep area, where geological sampling was carried out in May to verify the presence of naturally occurring hydrogen gas.
The initial results showed promising indications that warrant further study and exploration.
Garin told an online news conference on July 13 that the project was exciting, noting that it was believed to be the first exploration of its kind in the world to be undertaken on such a scale.
She said the data gathered from the seismic survey would be used to produce a detailed subsurface map, allowing experts to determine the location, depth and estimated volume of any naturally occurring hydrogen reserves.
“Sa ngayon po di po natin alam. Ang alam lang natin ay meron (As of now, we don’t know yet. What we know is that there is hydrogen),” Garin said.
Cutting-edge technology
Koloma describes itself on its website as a "data-driven natural hydrogen exploration company" that uses cutting-edge technology and expertise to identify and produce natural hydrogen in the United States and around the world.
"Koloma is actively engaged in exploration and partnerships that will play a role in global decarbonization efforts. We have the backing of leading clean energy funds and major corporations, and are capitalized to swiftly scale our exploration efforts," the company said on its website.
Service contracts
In the same online news conference, Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said Koloma Inc. was awarded Service Contract 83 and 84 that cover parts of Zambales and Pangasinan.
SC 83 covers 126,645 hectares while SC 84 covers 85,082 hectares, according to the DOE.
"If we combine the commitments for these two contracts, I think the total investment over the seven-year period will be around $8 million to $9 million, including the drilling of the well,” said Sales.
Under the Philippine service contract system, all technical, operational, and financial risks associated with exploration are borne entirely by the service contractor.
As such, no direct government funds are used for the exploration, development, or production of native hydrogen resources.
Sales said that after the seismic survey, Koloma’s next commitment was to drill the well which could start either by end of 2026 or first quarter.
“But at the end of the day, exploration po ito. Hindi pa natin alam kung magkakaron ng enough deposit na pwede maging commercial (This is just an exploration. We do not yet know if there is enough deposit that could be commercially viable). So it needs to be drilled, and we need to measure how much can be extracted from the ground,” he added.
Uses
Sales explained that the utilization of natural hydrogen was quite straight-forward: It could be used to generate electricity through turbines or fuel cells and could also serve as a feedstock for fertilizer production, making it a potential low-carbon energy and industrial.
“Maraming siyang puede pagagamitan. Ang main question natin marami ba tayong makikita. Sasagutin yan nang exploration (Natural hydrogen has a lot of uses. But the main question is the volume. That will be answered by the exploration),” he said.
Native hydrogen occurs naturally beneath the Earth's surface, unlike conventional hydrogen that is produced through industrial processes.
If commercially viable resources are confirmed, native hydrogen could provide an additional indigenous energy source that supports the country's clean energy transition while strengthening long-term energy security.
Survey
In a statement, the DOE said Koloma Inc. acquired a total of 27,976.5-line kilometers of aero-gravity and magnetics survey (AGM) from March until early June this year, with the aim of mapping geological structures.
While processing of acquired AGM data is ongoing, Koloma Inc. followed through with preparations and mobilization for the seismic survey.
The 132.6-line kilometers of 2D seismic survey would generate detailed images of underground rock formations to help identify areas that may contain naturally occurring hydrogen.
The results would guide succeeding exploration activities and improve understanding of the area's subsurface geology.
The DOE said the seismic survey forms part of the government's broader initiative to evaluate the country's native hydrogen potential and diversify indigenous energy resources.
To facilitate exploration, the DOE has integrated native hydrogen into the country's petroleum service contract system, providing a clear regulatory framework that encourages private sector investment while ensuring government oversight. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
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