Energy department taps French RE manufacturer

Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy), a leading force in large-scale green hydrogen infrastructure and high-power fuel cell manufacturing, has strengthened its partnership with the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) by signing a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This pivotal agreement aims to drive research and development in efficient technologies for harnessing renewable energy sources and locally produced green hydrogen for sustainable application across targeted regions throughout the Philippines.

Building on the success of previous collaborations with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) in 2023, this new MoU marks a significant milestone in the effort to decarbonize the Philippines’ power sector as part of a comprehensive energy transition strategy.

Under this agreement, HDF Energy, together with the DoE and MinDA, commits to jointly fostering investments in renewable energy technologies, with a particular emphasis on hydrogen-based solutions.

The Philippines, as an archipelago, is vulnerable to climate change impacts and faces challenges in ensuring reliable electricity supply, especially in areas relying on isolated polluting diesel-fueled grids. Collaborations with HDF Energy are poised to accelerate the deployment of Renewstable® multi-megawatt hydrogen power plants.

Renewstable® presents a green alternative to conventional diesel fuel power plants by utilizing solely solar or wind energy and water to generate electricity, thus mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.

Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to provide clean, baseload non-intermittent power, day and night, by combining an intermittent renewable energy source with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen.

In pursuit of these objectives, HDF Energy is actively accelerating its projects in partnership with Reurasia, a pioneering Philippine company dedicated to driving sustainable development through innovative renewable energy solutions across Southeast Asia.

Leveraging Reurasia’s extensive expertise and strategic alliances, HDF Energy aims to catalyse transformative changes in the nation’s energy landscape, promoting greater environmental sustainability.

The ceremony took place a few days HDF Energy signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Province of Surigao del Norte, the Province of Agusan del Sur, and the City of Zamboanga. Under these agreements, HDF Energy Philippines and the three (3) LGUs will collaborate to establish a robust framework for sharing crucial information across all project phases, from planning and financing to construction and operation of Renewstable® power plants. The ultimate goal is to enhance grid stability and accelerate the transition to a decarbonized energy ecosystem.

Mr. Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Secretary of DoE, stated: “The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in our journey toward a sustainable and resilient energy future. It underscores our collective commitment to harnessing the power of hydrogen technologies which is a pivotal step in achieving our national energy goals. We extend our gratitude to the Mindanao Development Authority and HDF Energy Philippines for spearheading this laudable undertaking which is a testament to our shared vision and collaborative stint. We also thank the Government of the Republic of France, through the French Embassy in the Philippines, for its unwavering support and assistance to this project as it will enhance the Philippines’ capacity to innovate and implement cutting-edge hydrogen technologies for the Country’s energy sector.”

Mr. Leo Tereso Magno, Secretary of MinDA, stated: “We in Mindanao are very excited about this endeavour. We hope that through the signing of this MoU, the projects HDF Energy has planned will come to fruition, benefiting not only Mindanao but the entire Philippines.”

Mr. Mathieu Geze, President & Director, HDF Energy Philippines Holdings Incorporated, declared: “To make these projects a reality, we need strong support from both local and national stakeholders. We are committed to accelerating these projects, and our ongoing engagements with partner Local Government Units (LGUs), Electric Cooperatives and consultants demonstrate our dedication to our goal of establishing 15 projects in the Philippines, valued at USD 1.5 billion. Ten of these projects are planned for implementation in Mindanao.”

H.E. Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines, herald: “Energy security is a top priority in strengthening the relationship between France and the Philippines. The Philippines can rely on French companies like HDF Energy, which are at the forefront of developing new technologies. The future demands investments in green technologies, particularly in regions like Mindanao, and the French Government fully supports the DoE’s plan to mainstream greener, more sustainable, and cost-effective energy solutions.”