A foreign firm will start its technical studies and tests this month on the possible development of a hydrogen power plant in Olutanga Island, Zamboanga Sibugay, according to the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
In a statement, MinDA said Hydrogene de France (HDF) Energy is set to conduct technical studies and tests in a 17-hectare land that will include geotechnical, hydrological and environmental surveys, starting January 23.
The geotechnical survey includes elevation, soil test and flood analysis, while the hydrological survey and study includes ground water depth, source and sea water distance and hydrogen component of sea water.
The environmental study is focused on tree tagging, flora and fauna, air, water and soil components, MinDA added.
HDF Energy is interested to build a 45 megawatts hydrogen power plant in the island.
Besides the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone (ecozone) and the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco), the municipalities of Sibuco, Sirawai, Siocon and Baliguian in Zamboanga del Norte have expressed interest to also source their electricity from such resource.
MinDA said the Zamboanga ecozone will facilitate a 50-hectare land requirement in its area while Zamcelco will also facilitate the land needed in Vitali, Zamboanga City.
Apart from the hydrogen power plant, the agency said a bulk water project with a desalination facility that is equipped with solar panels is also being eyed to be established in Olutanga Island to push modern farming methods for high-value crops. – Jed Macapagal
