Natural Hydrogen Could Fuel the Philippines’ Clean Energy Future

Hydrogen is gaining attention as a potential clean energy source because it produces no carbon emissions when burned.

A recent discovery of significant and continuous natural hydrogen outgassing in Zambales province, Philippines, could significantly impact the country’s transition to cleaner energy and a more sustainable economy. With a population of 115 million, the Philippines still heavily depends on fossil fuels, with coal and oil making up 67% of its energy mix.

Hydrogen fuel cell technology remains in its early stages in the Philippines, but it holds significant promise for supporting the country’s transition to cleaner energy. With a population of over 115 million and an energy mix still dominated by fossil fuels (around 67%), the development of hydrogen technology, especially when paired with renewable sources, can play a crucial role in achieving the nation’s net-zero emissions goals.

Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle vs electric vehicles

Hydrogen cars use fuel cells to convert hydrogen gas into an electric current, powering the motor efficiently. They consist of an electric motor driven by the electrochemical reaction. It happens when high-pressure hydrogen gas combines with oxygen and is fed to hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity and water vapour.

More complex than electric cars, hydrogen cars can be considered as small hydrogen-fuelled power stations. With hydrogen cars, you can travel for around 400 miles before the gas tank becomes empty.

To scientists, hydrogen isn’t a fuel but an energy carrier. However, HFVC owners still refill their vehicles at hydrogen fueling stations similar to the old, reliable gas station, which can only take a few minutes.

In comparison, electric cars run on batteries charged by electrical grids. As its name suggests, EVs run on electric current rather than gasoline or diesel, stored in a lithium-ion battery. EV owners must charge the large battery pack inside the EV at a charging station or in their homes.

Pros and cons between EVs and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles

For once, EVS have widespread infrastructure and charging stations. They run silently, are cheaper today than HFCV, and have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts. However, they have a lower range compared to their charging time. Battery lifespan is limited, and with the growing number of EV batteries, it is difficult to dispose of them properly.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles (HFCVS) offer several advantages, including quicker refuelling times and the ability to travel longer distances on a single fuel tank. Additionally, when hydrogen is utilised, the only byproduct is water vapour, making it an environmentally friendly option. However, there are some challenges associated with HFCVS.

Their infrastructure is not as developed as that of electric vehicles (EVs); they tend to be more costly, require significant energy to produce, and often rely on fossil fuels during the manufacturing process.

Hydrogen technology initiatives in the Philippines

The Philippine government has partnered with Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy), a global leader in green hydrogen infrastructure and high-power fuel cell manufacturing, to accelerate hydrogen development.

In April 2025, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and HDF Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), to build hydrogen power plants across the country. HDF plans to invest USD 1.5 billion to develop up to 15 hydrogen power facilities nationwide.

The first of these hydrogen plants is currently being piloted in Mindanao. It will supply clean electricity to the regional grid and produce green hydrogen for maritime and railway transport.

In related news, Philippine-based automotive manufacturer Francisco Motors has developed a hydrogen fuel cell-powered tricycle—an innovative step in sustainable urban mobility. The company also introduced a patented portable electrolyser that uses a single solar panel to generate green hydrogen from heavy water.

According to the manufacturer, the device features a built-in water filtration system and stores hydrogen fuel in proprietary canisters, while generating hospital-grade oxygen as a byproduct.

High seepage of natural hydrogen has been discovered in the Philippines

Researchers from the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute found that more than 800  tonnes of natural hydrogen are seeping from the ground annually from the so-called Nagsasa site in the Zambales region, just over 100 kilometres from Manila.

The natural hydrogen flow at the Nagsasa seep is currently the highest and largest natural hydrogen flux ever recorded. Scientists believe millions of tonnes could be trapped in a reservoir under the surface, potentially unlocking a new, sustainable energy source for the country.

The Nagsasa seep was first found by Filipino government scientists in 2006. It contains natural gas containing 58.5% hydrogen and 38.7% methane. Even more interesting is that the Philippines has many other ophiolite rock formations—a section of the oceanic crust that has been uplifted and exposed.

Ophiolite rock is iron-rich and is known to produce hydrogen through natural chemical reactions. This means there could be more potential hydrogen seeps waiting to be discovered.

The discovery of a significant natural hydrogen seep in the Philippines and emerging partnerships with global hydrogen innovators can accelerate the country’s shift toward cleaner energy.

Coupled with local innovations like hydrogen-powered tricycles and green hydrogen production from renewable sources, the Philippines could become a leader in hydrogen energy in Southeast Asia. If these initiatives continue to develop, hydrogen fuel-cell technology could be crucial in achieving national and global sustainability goals.