Earth Contains Enough Natural Hydrogen to Power Global Energy Transition for Centuries
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📰 The quick summary: Earth’s continental rocks contain enough natural hydrogen to potentially supply global demand for 200 years, offering a clean energy alternative with a carbon footprint comparable to or lower than green hydrogen.
📈 One key stat: The US Geological Survey estimates accessible natural hydrogen could supply global hydrogen demand for about 200 years, representing a significant untapped resource for the green energy transition.
💬 One key quote: “Natural hydrogen has a carbon footprint comparable to or below that of green hydrogen. The two will likely be complementary, but estimates are uncertain as natural hydrogen is as yet an unproven resource.”
1️⃣ The big picture: Scientists have discovered massive amounts of natural hydrogen generated in Earth’s oldest continental rocks over billions of years. This hydrogen may have accumulated in accessible reservoirs under Earth’s surface, potentially contributing to the global hydrogen economy for centuries. By the end of 2023, 40 companies were exploring natural hydrogen globally, a number that has likely doubled since 2024. This exploration boom is driven by hydrogen’s potential to decarbonize critical industries like fuel refining, fertilizer production, and steel manufacturing, which currently rely on hydrogen produced from fossil fuels that contribute 2.5 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Natural hydrogen offers a cleaner alternative to conventionally produced hydrogen, which currently generates 2.5 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. With a carbon footprint comparable to or below that of green hydrogen, natural hydrogen can help decarbonize hard-to-abate but globally critical industries including fuel refining, agriculture, and steel manufacturing. Natural hydrogen production would require less space and draw fewer surface water resources compared to green hydrogen facilities that need solar or wind farms and electrolyzers. Most importantly, the USGS estimates there’s enough accessible natural hydrogen to supply global demand for about 200 years, making it a significant potential contributor to the green energy transition.
3️⃣ What’s next: Clear regulations for hydrogen exploration need to be established in regions with high potential like the US, Canada, India, parts of Africa, and Europe. South Australia demonstrates what effective legislation can accomplish, receiving dozens of applications from companies after implementing regulations. New exploration projects will provide critical data to understand natural hydrogen’s potential in delivering green energy.
Read the full story here: The Conversation – There’s enough natural hydrogen in the Earth’s crust to help power the green energy transition
