U.S.-based clean energy firm Ally Power Inc. is setting its sights on the Philippines as a key market for its modular hydrogen-based generation systems – a unique type of technology that promises to deliver electricity, hydrogen, and industrial materials at record-low costs while creating new opportunities for local communities.

In an interview with Power Philippines, Leonard “Ed” Travis, Ally Power’s Director for Business Development (APAC), said the company’s systems could complement the country’s renewable-energy transition by offering flexible, low-cost, and zero-emission generation capacity suited for both industrial, utility scale, and off-grid use.

“Our technology can produce baseload clean power 24/7, while also generating hydrogen and industrial byproducts,” Travis said. “It’s designed to work anywhere, whether it’s a city grid, island barangay, or tourist resort.”

Hydrogen power at USD 16 per megawatt-hour

According to Travis, Ally Power’s hydrogen-based system can achieve a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) as low as USD16 per megawatt-hour—which is far below current benchmarks.

Utility scale implementations achieve the highest efficiencies, using multiple 3MW or 8MW individual “plants” in a microgrid format to achieve utility scale output of up to 300MW or more. The use of multiple “plants” in a matrix format utilizes an AI based microgrid to immediately rebalance the output in case of an outage in any individual “plant”. This ensures the ability to meet contractual output requirements in all cases. It is important to also note that utility scale implementations are very conservative regarding land use. A 300MW system can provide 24/7 baseline power in as little as 10Ha, thus saving valuable land for food security purposes.

Another variant of Ally Power’s unique technology fits within a 20ft container, wherein each of these modular units can generate from 100 kilowatts up to 700 kilowatts. This compact unit  provides what Travis described as a “clean genset” alternative to diesel generators commonly used in off-grid islands. The system produces heat, hydrogen, and potable water, enabling hybrid setups that can power microgrids and supply local water needs at the same time.

He added that the company’s process is completely different compared to existing hydrogen generation systems, using a chemical reaction which does not require the input of energy or water. The approach also does not rely on electrolysis and does not require rare-earth minerals, making it cost-stable and low in capital expenditure. The system’s use of waste aluminum as feedstock also opens opportunities for barangay-level collection programs, which could provide local jobs while reducing landfill waste. The underlying technology was first discovered in the lab in the early 1800’s and was first industrialized in 1827. So, the basic technology of the system has been known and validated for almost 200 years. Ally Power is the first company to systematize the technology for large scale commercial and utility scale use.

Regarding the Clean Genset, “Our goal is not just to sell a generator,” Travis said. “We want to integrate it into a community system where waste becomes energy and energy creates livelihood.” He added that these modular systems could help stabilize grid frequency and serve as backup for industrial zones and data centers — sectors that demand high reliability and continuous power. Projects of this nature are already underway in the US.

Complementing renewables, revitalizing coal plants

Travis said Ally Power’s system was designed to work alongside other forms of renewable energy, addressing the inconsistency of wind and solar generation. He also pointed to its potential to repower existing coal plants, allowing them to transition to clean hydrogen systems without major infrastructure overhauls.

“We can complement renewables where they’re strong and replace fossil power where they’re weak,” he explained. “For coal plants, we are investigating the possibility to retrofit existing coal plants by replacing the coal burning section, using their existing turbines, transformers, and transmission lines.  This approach allows the rapid re-purposing of existing assets on the ground, turning coal based systems from balance sheet liabilities into revenue generating assets. This approach has the added benefit of speed to delivery, since the Ally Power option is available today with implementation schedules within two years.

The policy gap: “Too focused on traditional renewables?”

Despite the Philippines’ progress in renewable energy, Travis said the country’s current regulatory landscape remains too narrowly tailored to traditional technologies, such as wind and solar, leaving emerging clean technologies like hydrogen without the same access to incentives or renewable energy certificates (RECs).

“Hydrogen doesn’t fit neatly into the existing framework,” he said. “Other ASEAN countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have already built hydrogen investment programs — the Philippines risks falling behind if it doesn’t adapt.”

Travis suggested that policymakers consider amending or expanding existing energy laws to cover hydrogen and other advanced technologies. He added that aligning hydrogen regulations with those used for nuclear or geothermal power could streamline investment entry.

“The country already has a foundation through its nuclear readiness laws,” he noted. “If hydrogen can be recognized under similar guidelines, it could fast-track project deployment.”

Developing the workforce for clean tech

Travis identified human resource development as another critical component of the transition. He pointed out that the renewable-energy industry in the Philippines faces a shortage of skilled engineers and technicians capable of handling next-generation energy systems.

To address this, Ally Power is planning to launch a Clean Energy Center of Excellence, which would collaborate with global universities to benchmark academic programs, technical training, research programs, and internship pipelines for local institutions, professionals, and developing youth.

“We can’t build the clean energy economy without building the people who’ll run it,” Travis said. “That’s why education and skills training are as important as the technology itself.”

Beyond power: Energy for good

While the company is pursuing projects across the U.S. and Asia, Travis said his work in the Philippines is personal. Having lived in the country for over two decades, he sees Ally Power’s mission as both commercial and social.

“I’ve been here long enough to see both the progress and the potential,” he said. “This is my home now, and if our technology can help Filipino communities access cleaner, cheaper energy — that’s what success means to me.”

For example, Travis said that Ally Power’s recent initiatives in the U.S. combine clean power generation with vertical farming and food security, models he believes could be replicated in developing markets like the Philippines.

“Clean energy shouldn’t just power factories,” Travis said. “It should also power people’s lives.”

Do you think hydrogen technology can become the Philippines’ next breakthrough in clean and inclusive energy?

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