Unlocking the Potential: Modelling Earth's Geologic Hydrogen Reserves
Key Ideas
- New USGS modelling suggests Earth's subsurface holds significant hydrogen potential for net zero emissions for 200 years.
- Only a small fraction of the estimated hydrogen reserves would be needed to reach net zero, with significant energy content compared to natural gas.
- Challenges remain in extraction due to depth and economic feasibility, but potential for substantial resource if recovered.
- Research highlights the need for further understanding of geologic hydrogen generation and consumption rates for optimized resource utilization.
A recent study by US Geological Survey scientists has unveiled the vast potential of geologic hydrogen reserves in the Earth's subsurface. The modeling indicates that only a small percentage, around 1.8%, of the estimated hydrogen resource would be sufficient to meet the projected hydrogen demand for achieving net zero carbon emissions for approximately 200 years. With an energy content exceeding proven natural gas reserves, the identified hydrogen resource presents a promising prospect for sustainable energy transition. Despite challenges in extraction feasibility due to depth and geographical limitations, recovering even a fraction of the predicted reserves could yield significant benefits. The study underscores the importance of further research to enhance understanding of geologic hydrogen generation and consumption rates, aiming to optimize resource utilization and advance towards a cleaner energy future.