THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it may require hydrogen developers to estimate decommissioning and disposal costs when proposing projects.
鈥淭his broader coverage ensures a comprehensive approach in managing the entire cycle of facilities involved in the production, storage, transmission, distribution, and utilization of hydrogen energy resources for various applications, be it power or non-power related,鈥 Patrick T. Aquino, director of the DoE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau, said in a public consultation last week.
According to a revised draft circular, decommissioning is 鈥渢he permanent retirement of a hydrogen energy facility or unit from operation upon reaching its maximum economic life or discontinued operation in the facility.鈥
Disposal is defined as the 鈥減hysical removal of equipment or material used that are no longer needed.鈥
Mr. Aquino said the DoE will have the authority to oversee decommissioning and disposal.
鈥淭he DoE, in collaboration with the DENR-EMB (Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau) and other pertinent government agencies, (will) develop a separate guideline detailing the proper management of decommissioning and disposal activities specifically related to the hydrogen energy industry,鈥 he said.
Mr. Aquino also said the revised draft expanded the classification of hydrogen production methods by adding chemical reactions, among others, to the list of energy resources.
鈥淭he revision broadens this classification by incorporating additional methods like chemical reactions without limiting the potential resources used for energy production,鈥 he said.
The DoE seeks to introduce a national policy framework, roadmap, and guidelines for hydrogen in the energy sector. It recognizes hydrogen as 鈥渁n innovative solution鈥 for energy transition. 鈥斅Sheldeen Joy Talavera
