ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan 25 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay under the leadership of Governor Dulce Ann Hofer is set to buy a lot in the municipality of Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay on Olutanga island, where the first hydrogen power plant project in the Philippines and Southeast Asia will be built. 

The OLTAMA Development Alliance representing the three municipalities of the province namely, Olutanga, Talusan, and Mabuhay, will directly benefit from the project which will help reduce energy costs, sustain grid stability, increase penetration of renewables, and build energy independence. It will also allow locals to create green jobs, thus contributing to the regional economy.

Hydrogen de France (HDF), an independent power producer in partnership with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) through the HDF RenewStable Energy project will construct the hydrogen power plant in Mindanao.

Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Hofer said: “The Olutanga Island hydrogen Renewstable power plant project by HDF Energy is a game changer for the socio-economic growth and development of the province. It's going to change our lives. Now, we don't have good electricity so all our treasures on the island cannot be shared with other areas because we don't have the facilities and stable energy. In addition, the project will help alleviate the province's poverty situation by employing the people of the island municipalities once the power plant is built.”

HDF needs a minimum of three years to put up the 10-megawatt project for them to mobilize, conduct pre-development to develop stage, and conduct a series of studies such as feasibility, environmental, hydro, and geotechnical.

Similar projects will be implemented in 10 more areas in Mindanao, including Zamboanga del Norte, and in the islands of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi which have a shortage of electricity supply. (NBE/CCP/PIA9 with reports from Mindanao Development Authority)