DOE taps Japanese firm for hydrogen energy exploration

hydrogen generation room

The Department of Energy (DOE) and Tokyo-based Hydrogen Technology (HTI) sealed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the use of hydrogen as fuel for power generation.

Under the MOU, the DOE and HTI will partner to conduct research on hydrogen production in the Philippines in a bid to significantly reduce the country’s carbon dioxide emissions and make the country energy independent.

“With the assistance of HTI and through the signing of the MOU, we are hopeful that the development of hydrogen energy will eventually be realized,” Cusi said in a statement.

Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi said this will help the country advance its research and development (R&D) activities for hydrogen. He also hopes that HTI would be able to share its technology sooner so that the R&D activities like the trial usage of the models can already commence. 

Cusi said back in December 2020 that the DOE tapped a Japanese firm to study hydrogen as an added resource to the country’s energy mix – whether as alternative fuel for the transport sector, for battery storage, or for power generation. He did not name the company, though.

HTI President and CEO Yasuhiro Yamamoto, who signed the MOU on their end, indicated that he is looking forward to having their technology deployed to the Philippines the soonest.

HTI is a hydrogen gas company that engages in design and manufacturing of hydrogen gas generation devices, sales, production, and distribution of hydrogen gas. 

The DOE also assured it will help HTI facilitate the entry of its technicians in the country, given the restricted movements brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Back in January, the DOE signed its first MOU with Australia-based research and development company Star Scientific Limited, to further study the research and development of hydrogen energy in the country. 

 

Photo from HTI website.