Natural Hydrogen:
The American Association of Petroleum Geologists and USGS have started formal hydrogen exploration initiatives.
- Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future due to its potential to decarbonise the global economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, refers to naturally occurring molecular hydrogen in the Earth’s crust, unlike industrially produced hydrogen.
- Natural Hydrogen Formed is generated through geological processes, primarily: Serpentinisation – a reaction between water and iron-rich rocks, Radiolysis – breakdown of water molecules by radioactive rocks, Decomposition of organic matter in deep geological formations.
- Natural hydrogen is a clean energy source that, if harvested sustainably, can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
- It can provide a low-cost and low-emission alternative to conventional hydrogen sources like grey hydrogen (from natural gas) and green hydrogen (from renewable electricity).
- The cost of natural hydrogen extraction may fall to around $1/kg or less, which is lower than current green hydrogen production costs.
- Natural hydrogen is typically associated with tectonically active regions, ultramafic and basaltic rocks, ophiolite complexes, and hydrothermal systems.
