Scientists have found that more than 800 tonnes of natural hydrogen are seeping out of the ground every year at a site in the Philippines. This “exceptionally high” outgassing, happening at the Nagsasa seep in the Zambales region, just over 100km from Manila, suggests that millions of tonnes of hydrogen could be trapped in a massive underground reservoir.

The discovery is turning heads in the energy world. It could open the door to a new, clean energy source. And the Philippines might just be sitting on a goldmine.

What’s So Special About the Nagsasa Seep?

The Nagsasa seep, first discovered in 2006, is leaking a gas mixture containing 58.5% hydrogen (H2) and 38.7% methane. At 808 tonnes of hydrogen per year, this site is blowing past other known natural hydrogen seeps. For comparison:

• A mine in Albania emits about 200 tonnes of hydrogen annually.
• The famous Mali seep has a power production of just 45 tonnes per year.

In fact, the Nagsasa seep’s output is 18 times higher than Mali’s and four times more than Albania’s, which was previously considered the largest natural hydrogen flow ever measured.

If this hydrogen were captured and sold at $2/kg,it\; wouldbeworth$1.6 million annually. Even more impressively, burning it for electricity could generate over 15 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of power each year—enough to light up thousands of homes.

A Hidden Treasure Beneath the Surface

The researchers published their findings in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. They believe the Nagsasa seep is just the tip of the iceberg. They suggest that the hydrogen is likely fed by a much larger subsurface reservoir, meaning the current outgassing could be just a fraction of what’s actually there.

“The 808 tons/year outgassing in the Nagsasa seep may also be only a fraction of a deeper subsurface reservoir,” the study notes. “Thus, both the valuation of the H2 in the Nagsasa seep as well as the potential for energy generation are likely underestimated.”

How Does This Compare to Other Sites?

Both the Nagsasa seep and the Mali site are linked to ophiolite rocks—ancient pieces of oceanic tectonic plates that have been thrust onto continental plates. These iron-rich rocks are known to produce hydrogen through natural chemical reactions.

However, the researchers point out that the two sites likely have different hydrogen-generating systems. It makes the Nagsasa seep a unique case.

What’s even more exciting is that the Philippines is home to many other ophiolite formations. Meaning, there could be dozens of hydrogen seeps waiting to be found. “Nagsasa seep could be just one of many undiscovered but potentially significant seeps associated with many other ophiolites in the Philippines,” the study states.

Natural Hydrogen: A Game-Changer for Clean Energy?

Natural hydrogen is gaining attention as a potential clean energy source because it produces no carbon emissions when burned.

The Nagsasa seep could be a game-changer for the Philippines. Nearby communities such as San Antonio, a municipality with about 10,000 households. Many of these households are still off the grid.

“Tapping this freely available energy resource would be especially beneficial for the communities near the Nagsasa seep, which are currently not connected to the grid,” the researchers write. Capturing and burning the seeping gases could provide a sustainable energy solution for these areas.

What’s Next for the Philippines?

The Philippine government has already identified Zambales as the most promising region for natural hydrogen exploration. In February 2023, it opened an auction for exploration rights in four locations, including two in northern Zambales.

The results of the auction are still pending. But the discovery of the Nagsasa seep in the southern part of the region has only heightened interest.

This discovery also highlights the importance of including ophiolite-rich areas in global hydrogen exploration strategies. As the study notes, “Ophiolites should be considered in H2 exploration strategies in addition to settings where Fe-bearing source rocks are overlain by thick layers of impermeable caprocks.”

A Bright Future for Natural Hydrogen?

The Nagsasa seep is a reminder that the Earth still holds untapped resources. It could revolutionize the way we think about energy.

The Zambales site could position the Philippines as a key player in the global clean energy transition.

Scientists continue to explore the possibilities.  One thing is clear, however. The Nagsasa seep is not just a scientific curiosity—it’s a glimpse into a cleaner, more sustainable future.

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Daily Sun Chronicle News Desk

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