US-BASED Koloma Inc. is seeking two more natural hydrogen exploration contracts in the Philippines following productive initial survey results, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said she recently met with the company’s chief executive and other officials, who expressed confidence in their exploration activities.Speaking to reporters at the Asean Energy Business Forum in Manila, Garin said Koloma’s survey data indicated the presence of hydrogen in its exploration area.The DOE has also proposed working with the company to build local expertise in developing hydrogen for power generation, fertilizer production and other uses.Garin said more companies have also been pursuing exploration contracts, signaling growing interest in the country’s natural hydrogen resources.She cited the Philippines’ pioneering role in conducting what the DOE described as the world’s first competitive bidding round for natural hydrogen exploration.Natural hydrogen occurs underground rather than being manufactured through industrial processes. The DOE said commercially viable discoveries could provide an additional domestic energy source and strengthen the country’s energy security.In July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Service Contract (SC) 92 granting Koloma exclusive rights to explore for naturally occurring hydrogen in western Zambales.It was the company’s third Philippine hydrogen exploration contract, following two that were awarded in October 2025. Together, the three contracts cover more than 4,100 square kilometers.Koloma began a two-dimensional seismic survey in Pangasinan in July under SC 84 to map underground rock formations and identify areas that could contain hydrogen.It is also exploring adjoining portions of Zambales under SC 83. Earlier geological sampling at the Los Fuegos Eternos gas seep yielded promising findings that warranted further study, the DOE said.Based in Denver, Colorado, Koloma uses geological data and proprietary technology to locate and assess natural hydrogen deposits. It maintains a research laboratory at Ohio State University and expanded internationally in 2025 through activities in Australia and the Philippines.Its investors include Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and United Airlines’ Sustainable Flight Fund, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries joining in 2024.
