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Philippines positioned to become geologic hydrogen hub, say estimates
The article cites a US Department of Energy view that geologic hydrogen could be feasible and far cheaper than conventional routes, with potential knock-on effects for global energy markets.
OilPrice reports the Philippines is positioning itself as a potential first mover in geologic hydrogen, a concept that would use naturally occurring hydrogen seeps and store the fuel underground for later exploitation.
The outlet says the country reportedly has the largest natural hydrogen seeps anywhere on Earth, which, if translated into a commercially viable operation, could boost the Philippines economy and energy security while also disrupting parts of global energy markets and decarbonization efforts.
The piece notes that hydrogen is widely discussed as a way to decarbonize hard to abate sectors such as steelmaking and shipping because burning hydrogen produces water vapor, but it also argues that the climate benefits depend on how hydrogen is produced.
OilPrice adds that gray hydrogen made from fossil fuels is currently more economical than green hydrogen produced using clean electricity, while geologic hydrogen could potentially avoid those cost and emissions tradeoffs, and it says the technology is still in its infancy with feasibility and low cost expectations tied to a US Department of Energy estimate.