Unearthing 'Gold Hydrogen': Mountains as the Key to Natural Reserves
Key Ideas
  • Scientists are exploring natural reserves of 'gold hydrogen' in Earth's mountains, potentially aiding the transition from fossil fuels.
  • GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Germany discovered vast hydrogen reserves in mountains, offering economic opportunities.
  • Mountains provide ideal conditions for hydrogen production through the serpentinization process, making them key in the search for natural hydrogen.
  • This study marks a turning point in natural hydrogen exploration, indicating the birth of a potential new natural hydrogen industry.
The article discusses the growing interest in 'gold hydrogen,' or natural reserves of hydrogen found in the Earth's mountains. While hydrogen is seen as a promising fuel source due to its clean emissions profile, current production heavily relies on natural gas, hindering decarbonization efforts. Scientists at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany, recently published a study highlighting the potential of mountains for hosting vast hydrogen reserves. These reserves are formed through a geologic process called serpentinization, where mantle rock comes into contact with water. The research suggests that mountains, particularly the Alpide belt which includes the Alps, Pyrenees, and the Himalayas, are ideal for natural hydrogen production due to various factors like colder temperatures and water circulation. This discovery opens up economic opportunities and signifies a potential shift towards a new natural hydrogen industry. With advancements in tectonic simulations and geologic research, the study marks a significant step forward in the exploration of green energy sources and the global transition away from fossil fuels.
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