White Hydrogen: The Energy Source Hiding Beneath Zambales

One of the highlights of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) was the push for a more secure and diverse energy supply. Alongside renewable energy, energy shortages, and other indigenous resources, he also pointed to hydrogen as part of the country’s energy future. But while much of the conversation focused on what we can build, the country is also looking for what might be already beneath our feet. Meet white hydrogen.

What It Is

White hydrogen, also called geological or natural hydrogen, forms naturally underground through geological processes. Unlike green hydrogen, which is produced by splitting water using electricity, white hydrogen can potentially be extracted from the ground.

Zambales is particularly interesting because its aphrodite rock formations can produce hydrogen when water reacts with iron-rich rocks. For example, at the Nagsasa seep in San Antonio, researchers recorded an estimated 808 tons of natural hydrogen outgassing per year.

Widespread Interest

The discovery has already attracted international attention. In July, US-based exploration firm Koloma Inc. was granted exclusive rights to explore for natural hydrogen in Zambales, building on its existing activities in Central Luzon. 

The appeal is simple: white hydrogen could potentially be both clean and cheap. Because it occurs naturally, it does not require the energy-heavy processes used to produce other forms of hydrogen. Experts cited in the report estimate that it could potentially cost less than $1 per kilogram to produce.

If commercially viable reserves are found, this could contribute to energy security while bringing investment and economic opportunities to Zambales.

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Now, can we actually use it? Scientists know hydrogen exists at these sites, but they still need to determine how much can be recovered and whether extracting it will be technically and economically feasible. What we could say is that white hydrogen remains a promising possibility rather than a proven energy solution.