German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) and the National Power Corp. (Napocor) have joined forces to conduct a feasibility study on the utilization of green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in off-grid areas.
The collaboration’s objective is to facilitate knowledge transfer, explore modernization opportunities, and achieve clean and affordable energy.
Fernando Martin Roxas, the president of Napocor, expressed excitement about partnering with GPCCI in investigating the potential of green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in off-grid areas. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to optimizing power generation assets and providing electricity to rural areas. Roxas believes that the feasibility study will pave the way for a sustainable and climate-friendly energy transition in the Philippines.
The joint project aims to produce a comprehensive feasibility study titled “Feasibility Study for Green Hydrogen Technology in Off-Grid Areas in the Philippines.” Its purpose is to support the modernization of power-generating assets in off-grid areas by exploring the possibility of replacing diesel-powered systems with green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
Supported by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the project seeks to promote environmentally friendly technologies and contribute to climate change mitigation in an economically viable manner.
The project will be implemented in three phases. Phase 1 involves the selection of two suitable sites based on criteria such as renewable resource availability, economic factors, accessibility, and community support. Napocor will provide technical and economic data, while GPCCI will assist in data gathering.
Phase 2 entails modeling the selected sites in collaboration with stakeholders and the Reiner Lemoine Institut. The modeling results will be presented internally to Napocor and externally to interested parties through a technical event organized by GPCCI.
In Phase 3, project results will be evaluated, and GPCCI will launch an information campaign to disseminate the findings through various channels such as interviews, podcasts, press releases, and social media.
Stefan Schmitz, president of GPCCI, highlighted the rapid growth in energy demand in the Philippines and the need for environmentally friendly power generation capacity. Given the challenges related to energy supply, rising fuel and transportation costs, and high electricity prices, Schmitz stated that hydrogen technology and fuel cells have the potential to serve as alternative energy solutions for off-grid areas.
The project aims to showcase the economic and environmental benefits of green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies while supporting sustainable development and the country’s overall development goals. Furthermore, this collaboration exemplifies the commitment of the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety to knowledge and technology transfer in the field of green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies.
