One question that lingers in the minds of many is why a French company like HDF Energy would choose a remote island like Olutanga for such an ambitious project.
Geze said HDF Energy focuses on remote areas like Olutanga Island for its renewable energy projects to address the significant challenges these areas are facing due to unstable or non-existent electricity supplies.
HDF Energy aims to provide consistent, clean, and reliable energy to these underserved communities, he explained.
The planned investment by the French company in a hydrogen power plant on Olutanga Island, which falls within the franchise area of ZAMSURECO II, necessitates a collaborative arrangement between the private investor and the electric cooperative.
According to the Department of Energy (DOE) guidelines, such partnerships are encouraged to enhance the financial viability of electric cooperatives and improve service delivery to end-users.
Specifically, the DOE’s Department Circular No. DC2004-06-007 outlines that private sector participation in the operations of rural electric cooperatives can be promoted through various partnership models, including joint ventures, concessions, or management contracts.
Olutangaโs isolation and reliance on mainland power make it an ideal candidate for decentralized energy solutions.
Over the years, the island sourced its electricity from the mainland grid, Engr. Kenneth Albrecht, the corporate planning officer of ZAMSURECO II, said.
An electric cable has to cross the one-kilometer Canalizo Strait that separates Olutanga Island from the mainland.
โThe distance by which the electric cable has to cross itself poses loss of energy,โ he stated.
It is not surprising for the residents in the island to experience fluctuating electricity and intermittent power outages, he explained.
Albrecht said that the planned hydrogen power project in Olutanga could significantly transform the islandโs energy landscape while also enhancing the overall power supply across the entire ZAMSURECO II franchise area.
He explained that while the electric cooperative will retain operational control over the islandโs electrification, HDF Energy will serve as the power supplier in compliance with DOE guidelines.
The energy project, he said, does not only โpromise a reliable power supply but a stable supply of electricity.โ
Challenges and Skepticism
The hydrogen power project offers hope. But it has also sparked skepticism among some residents.
One major concern is the timeline. HDF Energy estimates that it will take four years to complete the project: two years to develop the necessary systems and another two years to build the facility. For an island already suffering from daily power interruptions, this timeline feels like an eternity.
Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that the project is still in the pre-feasibility study phase. The provincial government has yet to acquire the 60-hectare land needed for the plant, raising questions about whether the project will proceed as planned.
The project is moving, Engr. Venancio Ferrer III, the provincial planning officer, said.
But he is not sure when the project will finally be materialized except the projected four-year project timeline set by HDF Energy.
Some critics argue that the delays and bureaucratic hurdles could further prolong the islandโs energy crisis.
Moreover, many residents are unfamiliar with hydrogen power and its benefits. The lack of public awareness has fueled doubts about the projectโs feasibility and reliability.
Most of the village residents talk about a โsolar projectโ during a group interview. They are clueless about hydrogen power.
โThey said the province (provincial government) will build a solar energy plant,โ 50-year-old Mario said.
โWe donโt know when it will happen,โ he quipped.
Some fear that the promises of stable electricity may never materialize, leaving the island in the dark once again.
A Vision for the Future
If successfully implemented, the hydrogen power plant could transform life on Olutanga Island. A stable power supply would breathe new life into the local economy, enabling businesses to thrive and attracting much-needed investments. Schools and hospitals would no longer have to operate in the dark, and families could enjoy a better quality of life.
Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann Hofer said: โThe Olutanga Island hydrogen power plant project by HDF Energy is a game changer for the socio-economic growth and development of the province.โ
โIt’s going to change our lives.โ
The project will help alleviate the province’s poverty situation by employing the people of the island municipalities once the power plant is built, she added.
This energy project is a key component of a broader strategy to transform Olutanga Island from its historical reputation as a pirate haven into a hub for tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture. In collaboration with local stakeholders, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is developing a comprehensive master plan to harness the island’s vast tourism and agro-fishery potential.
MinDA expects the introduction of a reliable and sustainable power source will stimulate economic growth, attract investments, and improve the quality of life for residents.
The project lays the foundation for the island’s development into a premier agri-fishery and eco-tourism destination in Mindanao. It is part of the broader plan under Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) sub-region by addressing the critical need for reliable energy.
Mayor Edem chimed in: The project represents more than just a solution to the power crisisโitโs a chance to unlock the islandโs potential.
โThis is about more than just electricity,โ he said. โItโs about giving our people the opportunity to build a better future. Itโs about hope.โ
Conclusion
Olutanga Island stands at a crossroads.
The hydrogen power project offers a beacon of hope for a community long plagued by power shortages. Its success, however, hinges on careful planning, timely execution, and community buy-in.
As the clock ticks for Olutangaโs residents, the rest of the country watches to see if this ambitious project can deliver on its promise of a brighter, more sustainable future. (Antonio Manaytay and Elvie Villarido-Manaytay)
Reporting for this story was supported by the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) under the Jaime Espina Klima Correspondents Fellowship.
