Forbes recently interviewed Koloma CEO Pete Johnson about the company’s natural hydrogen exploration work in the Philippines, highlighting why the country has become an important focus for scientific exploration. The interview explains the significance of Service Contract 92, the country’s unique geology, and why careful scientific evaluation will determine whether natural hydrogen can become a meaningful domestic energy resource.

The Forbes feature follows growing international interest in natural hydrogen and examines why the Philippines has emerged as one of the regions attracting increased exploration activity. Johnson discusses Koloma’s role in evaluating naturally occurring hydrogen resources while emphasizing that exploration remains a rigorous scientific process grounded in geological data rather than speculation.

Johnson explains that the Philippines is of particular interest because it contains some of the world’s most significant known natural hydrogen seeps. These naturally occurring surface emissions indicate that hydrogen is actively being generated underground through geological processes.

He explains that these seeps may be connected to much larger subsurface accumulations, but determining whether recoverable resources exist requires extensive geological investigation, field studies, and exploratory drilling. Johnson also cautions that natural hydrogen exploration is inherently a long-term scientific endeavor. While public interest in naturally occurring hydrogen continues to grow, confirming the size, location, and commercial significance of a resource takes time, data collection, and careful analysis.

The Forbes interview follows the Philippine government’s award of Service Contract 92, which authorizes Koloma to explore approximately 4,100 square kilometers in Zambales Province for naturally occurring hydrogen resources.

One common misconception is that an exploration contract represents a confirmed discovery. In reality, Service Contract 92 establishes the legal framework for scientific exploration activities—including geological mapping, environmental studies, geophysical surveys, and exploratory drilling. It does not indicate that commercially recoverable natural hydrogen has already been found.

The Philippines occupies a unique position in the growing field of natural hydrogen exploration because its geology includes rock formations that researchers believe may continuously generate hydrogen over long periods of time.

The Forbes interview also discusses the country’s growing energy demand and dependence on imported fuels. Johnson notes that if commercially recoverable natural hydrogen resources are eventually confirmed, they could contribute to a more diverse domestic energy mix while supporting long-term energy security. He also suggests that future opportunities could extend beyond domestic energy use to products such as ammonia, though those possibilities depend entirely on the outcome of ongoing exploration and future project development.

Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the Forbes interview is Koloma’s emphasis on disciplined, science-based exploration.

Johnson explains that while Koloma’s exploration work has identified hydrogen-bearing subsurface systems and continues to improve scientific understanding of naturally occurring hydrogen, the company has not announced a commercial natural hydrogen discovery. Instead, Koloma continues to prioritize geological understanding, rigorous testing, and responsible resource evaluation before drawing conclusions about commercial potential.

Forbes’ interview provides valuable insight into why Koloma is expanding exploration in the Philippines and how the company approaches one of the world’s newest areas of energy exploration. Read Forbes’ coverage of Koloma’s natural hydrogen exploration in the Philippines, then explore Koloma’s educational resources on natural hydrogen and the science behind natural hydrogen to learn more about the geology and exploration methods discussed in the interview.