Natural hydrogen trapped in Earth’s crust is emerging as a potentially transformative resource for the global energy transition. For billions of years, the oldest segments of the planet’s continental rocks have generated substantial volumes of hydrogen gas. Recent geological insights suggest that some of this hydrogen has accumulated in subsurface reservoirs, making it potentially accessible and economically viable for extraction and use. These naturally occurring stores could support the global hydrogen economy for hundreds of years to come.

Evidence for this potential comes from Mali, where near-pure hydrogen has been extracted from a single gas field, drawing the attention of governments and investors alike. Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and members of the European Union are now actively evaluating natural hydrogen’s commercial prospects. The sector’s momentum is reflected in a dramatic rise in exploration activity—from 40 companies at the end of 2023 to what is now believed to be double that number in 2024.

Despite hydrogen’s long-standing role in industrial applications such as fuel refining, fertilizer production, and steelmaking, natural hydrogen has not historically been recognized as a formal resource in many countries. This regulatory gap has been a significant barrier to investment, but policymakers are beginning to act. A recent UK government policy briefing called for hydrogen to be formally classified as a natural resource, a move seen as essential to unlocking new exploration and development.

As demand grows for low-carbon alternatives, natural hydrogen is gaining appeal due to its minimal carbon footprint—comparable to or potentially even lower than that of green hydrogen produced via renewable-powered electrolysis. Most hydrogen today is derived from fossil fuels, contributing about 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Although green hydrogen remains an important pillar of decarbonization, high production costs and infrastructure constraints continue to pose challenges.

Experts suggest that natural hydrogen and green hydrogen could play complementary roles in the future energy mix. However, turning natural hydrogen into a commercially viable energy source will require targeted strategies, including updated exploration frameworks, investment incentives, and clearer regulatory classifications. If successful, this could unlock a new frontier of clean energy that supports critical sectors and significantly advances the path to net-zero emissions.

Source:

https://theconversation.com/theres-enough-natural-hydrogen-in-the-earths-crust-to-help-power-the-green-energy-transition-256936