Philippines Signs Two Natural Hydrogen Exploration Contracts with Koloma; "World’s First Competitive Bid for Native Hydrogen"

The Philippines has approved seven new petroleum and hydrogen service contracts, marking its most ambitious upstream exploration push in decades — and signaling the country’s entry into the global natural hydrogen race.

Among them, Service Contracts (SC) 83 and 84 stand out: they authorize the world’s first competitive exploration programs for native (natural) hydrogen, located in Central Luzon. This historic step positions the Philippines as a pioneer in subsurface hydrogen resource development, alongside early leaders such as the U.S. and Australia.

As reported by the Department of Energy, these programs will combine local technical expertise with international collaboration. Koloma, the U.S.-based hydrogen technology firm that recently opened a research laboratory at Ohio State University, is expected to play a key role in helping the Philippines apply its exploration methods and geochemical models to assess hydrogen potential in the region.

If successful, this move will not only strengthen national energy independence but also position the Philippines as a hub for hydrogen innovation in Southeast Asia.

Full press release can be accessed below.