Unlocking the Potential of Natural Hydrogen in Mountain Ranges
Key Ideas
  • Plate tectonic modeling reveals mountain ranges with deep mantle rocks as potential natural hydrogen hotspots for large-scale H2 generation and accumulation.
  • Natural hydrogen can be formed through serpentinization of mantle rocks reacting with water, presenting a promising mechanism for sustainable energy production.
  • Research emphasizes the superiority of mountain ranges over rift basins in natural hydrogen generation capacity, encouraging exploration in regions like the Pyrenees and European Alps.
  • State-of-the-art numerical modeling aids in identifying regions with significant natural hydrogen potential, supporting the development of efficient exploration strategies.
The article discusses the potential of natural hydrogen (H2) as a sustainable energy source in the context of the global energy transition. Researchers led by Dr. Frank Zwaan at the GFZ Helmholtz Center for Geosciences have identified mountain ranges with deep mantle rocks near the surface as ideal geological environments for large-scale natural H2 generation and accumulation. Through plate tectonic modeling, they have determined that areas where mantle rocks are exhumed, such as in mountain-building processes, hold promise for significant H2 production through serpentinization. This research, published in Science Advances, highlights the viability of natural hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels and underscores the importance of exploring regions like the Pyrenees and European Alps for natural H2 resources. By employing numerical modeling techniques, the team has demonstrated that mountain ranges offer superior conditions for natural hydrogen generation compared to rift basins, with the potential for up to 20 times greater hydrogen output. The findings advocate for the development of innovative exploration strategies to harness the natural hydrogen potential in mountainous regions, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.