DOE pushes hydrogen use

The Department of Energy (DOE) is taking a step closer to ushering in the use of hydrogen resources with the issuance of a draft circular that seeks to hasten approval of hydrogen-related projects.

This is in step with the Marcos administration’s plan to improve the country’s energy security and gradually shift away from the use of fossil fuels.

Under the draft circular published on Friday, the DOE seeks, among others, to streamline processes for hydrogen projects, including operation, maintenance, research and development.

It also mandates the DOE Energy Resources Development Bureau to lay out the guidelines for the exploration, development and production of native hydrogen.

Hydrogen produced will be used as backup and off-grid power supply, or cofired with hydrogen derivatives in existing fossil fuel power plants, according to the DOE.

The agency likewise proposed the creation of a Hydrogen Energy Industry Committee that will develop and implement the hydrogen energy industry roadmap, as well as study the needed infrastructure. INQ