The Department of Energy (DOE) sought to explore the potential of hydrogen as a resource option the country’s energy sector can utilize.
In a Manila Bulletin report, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi stated that DOE designated a Japanese firm to study the probability and the advantages of hydrogen as an energy source — whether for battery storage, alternative fuel for the transport sector, or as a tangible resource for power generation.
“That was part of the discussion I made a month ago when I was in Japan – it was presented to me. The study is being done by a Japanese company,” Cusi was quoted saying in the report.
However, he clarified that this is something that shall be supported by further studies and experimentation in terms of potential and impact to consumers.
Based on initial assessments of the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen could serve as “a critical part of a more sustainable and secure energy future,” especially when it reaches commercial-scale deployment in the energy sector .
Experts cited various benefits of using hydrogen as an energy source. IEA Executive Fatih Birol said that “hydrogen today is enjoying unprecedented momentum, driven by governments that both import and export energy, as well as the renewables industry, electricity and gas utilities, automakers, oil and gas companies, major technology firms and big cities.”
At present, the Royal Dutch Shell group has been leading the commercial deployment of hydrogen as a resource to meet the country’s future energy needs.
