HDF Energy Philippines, a subsidiary of Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy), and the National Development Company (NDC), the Philippine government’s primary investment arm, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development of hybrid green hydrogen power plant projects and to support the creation of a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem in the country.
Under the agreement, HDF Energy Philippines and NDC will jointly explore the development of Renewstable® hybrid power plants on identified potential sites in regions with strong economic development needs, particularly in SPUG areas and across Mindanao and BARMM. The parties will assess the feasibility of deploying multi-megawatt projects integrating renewable energy, lithium-ion batteries, hydrogen storage, and advanced fuel cell technologies.
Renewstable offers a green alternative to conventional diesel fuel power plants by utilizing solely solar or wind energy and water to generate electricity, thus mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to provide green, baseload, non-intermittent power by combining an intermittent renewable energy source with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen.
Established on March 10, 1919 under Legislative Act 2489 as Compañía de Fomento Nacional, NDC is one of the country’s oldest state-owned investment institutions and plays a catalytic role in supporting strategic infrastructure projects.
By combining NDC’s national mandate and HDF’s global hydrogen expertise, this collaboration aims to unlock new economic opportunities across remote and fast-growing regions in the Philippines.
Beyond project development, the partnership also covers cooperation in research and development for electrolysis, proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies, hydrogen fuel cells, and safe hydrogen infrastructure. These activities will support the broader adoption of hydrogen solutions for both energy and transport applications, in alignment with national priorities to expand clean energy access, enhance energy security, and foster emerging green industries that contribute to long-term economic development.
The MoU signing ceremony was held at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Tower Paseo de Roxas corner Makati Avenue, Makati City. The agreement was signed by Mathieu Geze, President and Director of HDF Energy Philippines Holdings Incorporated, and Saturnino H. Mejia, General Manager of the National Development Company. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Marie Fontanel, French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia; Jonathan C. Eugenio, Corporate Executive Officer II, Special Projects Group of NDC; and Bernard A. Tuanquin, Business Development Director of HDF Energy Philippines.
Saturnino H. Mejia, General Manager of National Development Company, said: “NDC, a 106-year-old investment arm of the Philippine government, has long supported impactful ventures, and we are pleased to explore forward-looking energy opportunities with HDF Energy. After months of productive discussions, this MOU marks a meaningful milestone toward a more substantive partnership. We thank Her Excellency Madame Marie Fontanel, the French Ambassador to the Philippines, for graciously hosting and witnessing today’s signing. This collaboration represents an important step in advancing sustainable, future-ready industries, and we are confident it will help enable innovative clean-energy solutions that support inclusive economic growth and long-term national resilience.”
H.E. Marie Fontanel, French Ambassador to the Philippines and Micronesia, said: “Hydrogen is an important tool in advancing the decarbonization of the Filipino electrical mix, especially in remote regions. This collaboration highlights France’s commitment to supporting sustainable and forward-looking energy solutions for the Philippines”
Mathieu Geze, President & Director, HDF Energy Philippines Holdings Incorporated, declared: “I am very proud of this partnership which will prioritize SPUG areas and Mindanao, delivering stable, clean, and reliable electricity to underserved communities. Established in 1919, NDC continues to play a catalytic role in national development, while HDF brings global expertise in hydrogen technologies. Together, our organizations aim to unlock new economic opportunities and accelerate sustainable growth across remote and fast-developing regions.”
ABOUT NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY (NDC)
The National Development Company (NDC) is the Philippine government’s primary investment arm and one of the oldest state-owned enterprises in Asia. Established in 1919 and re-chartered in 1936, NDC supports national
industrialization and inclusive economic growth by investing in high-impact, strategic, and innovation-driven
sectors. Its portfolio includes ventures in manufacturing, infrastructure, logistics, technology, and emerging industries. NDC continues to play a catalytic role in enabling the growth of new sectors, including renewable energy and green technologies, aligned with the country’s long-term development goals.
More information, visit: https://www.ndc.gov.ph/
ABOUT HYDROGÈNE DE FRANCE (HDF Energy)
HDF Energy is a leading global player in the hydrogen industry, dedicated to developing large-scale hydrogen infrastructure and advanced multi-megawatt fuel cell technology.
These fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen, driving the decarbonization efforts across the power generation, heavy maritime and rail mobility sectors. Set to commence mass production in 2025 at HDF Energy’s facility near Bordeaux, these fuel cells serve as the cornerstone of the power plants and heavy mobility solutions developed by HDF Energy.
HDF Energy’s Renewstable® power plants deliver non-intermittent renewable, stable and baseload power by seamlessly integrating intermittent renewable energy sources with substantial on-site energy storage in the form of green hydrogen. HDF Energy is also developing extensive infrastructure for the mass production of carbon-free hydrogen.
Backed by a team of over 150 hydrogen experts boasting more than a decade of operational experience across the value chain, HDF Energy is currently developing a portfolio of advanced projects valued at over €3 billion.
Headquartered in France, HDF Energy has regional offices in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region with 35+ nationalities among its staff. Since 2021, the Group has been listed on the Euronext Paris stock market.
More information, visit: www.hdf-energy.com