Unearthing Earth's Hidden Treasure: Hydrogen Reserves for 200 Years
Key Ideas
- American researchers estimate Earth holds 6,000 billion tonnes of underground hydrogen, with 2% capable of meeting global energy demands.
- Challenges exist in locating and extracting deep, small, or offshore reserves, but even a fraction could meet projected hydrogen needs by 2050.
- The study suggests geological hydrogen could revolutionize global energy supply, potentially accounting for half of blue hydrogen production by 2100.
- Research indicates a high probability of sustainability and renewal of natural hydrogen production rates until at least 2200, as confirmed by expert insights.
A recent study by American researchers from the US Geological Survey reveals Earth's vast underground hydrogen reserves, totaling nearly 6,000 billion tonnes. Led by Geoffrey Ellis and Sarah Gelman, the study showcases the potential of utilizing just 2% of this resource to fulfill global energy needs. Despite challenges in extraction due to depth or location, even a small portion of these reserves could satisfy the world's hydrogen demand by 2050. The research underscores the possibility of geological hydrogen being a significant player in the energy sector, possibly contributing up to half of the blue hydrogen supply by the end of the century. Moreover, the study's findings suggest a high probability of sustainability and renewal for natural hydrogen, with an estimated 94% chance of reserves exceeding extraction rates until 2100 and a 75% likelihood extending beyond 2200. Collaborating with experts like Viacheslav Zgonnik and Eric-Claude Gaucher, the authors offer valuable insights into the feasibility of tapping into Earth's hydrogen resources for a sustainable energy future.