DOE issues circular to develop, promote hydrogen energy

By Alena Mae S. Flores – January 30, 2024, 8:40 pm
from manilastandard.net

The Department of Energy (DOE) released a circular providing for a national policy and roadmap, including incentives, for hydrogen use in the energy sector.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla signed Department Circular No. DC2024-01-0001 which underscored the potential of utilizing hydrogen resources.

It said that if optimally developed, hydrogen will play a major role in improving energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and in achieving the country’s goal for a low-carbon future.

The DOE said it recognizes the role of hydrogen in energy transition to meet future demand with various applications in power, transportation, commercial and industrial sectors.

Under the circular, hydrogen production will be classified as an energy resource such as, but not limited to, renewable energy, nuclear energy, fossil fuels, and electricity from the grid, among others.

It said the hydrogen production and its derivatives from renewable energy (green hydrogen) will be referred and considered as RE projects while hydrogen production using nuclear may be recognized as an energy efficiency project.

The DOE said the prospective use of hydrogen will be divided into power generation and electricity storage applications and non-power applications.

A hydrogen energy industry committee will be formed to develop a roadmap and study the needed infrastructure for the industry.

It said the roadmap will focus on policy and research development, establishing a national policy framework, institutionalizing partnerships and developing support infrastructure.