Unleashing the Earth's Hidden Potential: The Trillions of Tonnes of Hydrogen Below Our Feet
Key Ideas
  • Earth's subsurface may hold 5.6 trillion metric tonnes of hydrogen, potentially fueling human activities for nearly 200 years and aiding in reducing fossil fuel dependency.
  • Hydrogen is increasingly seen as a clean energy alternative for various sectors, with its global demand expected to rise significantly in the future.
  • Geologists have discovered large natural reservoirs of hydrogen gas in Albania and West Africa, challenging previous assumptions about hydrogen production.
  • Recovery of just 2% of the estimated hydrogen resource could fulfill global hydrogen demand for approximately two centuries, contributing significantly to decarbonizing the planet.
A recent study suggests that Earth's subsurface may contain trillions of tonnes of hydrogen, which could potentially offer a solution to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. The US Geological Survey researchers estimate that there could be 5.6 trillion metric tonnes of hydrogen in rocks and underground reservoirs. While acknowledging the challenges of access, the study highlights that harnessing even a small portion, 2%, of this hydrogen could sustain humanity for around 200 years. This revelation comes at a time when hydrogen is gaining traction as a clean energy source that could replace fossil fuels in various applications such as vehicles, industry, and electricity generation. The study emphasizes the potential of hydrogen, projecting its significant role in the future energy mix, with a projected fivefold increase in global demand. Geologists have recently discovered natural reservoirs of hydrogen gas in unexpected locations like Albania and West Africa, challenging previous beliefs about hydrogen production. By utilizing a model that considers natural processes, scientists estimate the vast volume of hydrogen that could be trapped underground, ranging from 1 billion to 10 trillion tonnes. The study emphasizes the immense energy potential of this hydrogen resource, suggesting that recovering even a small fraction could meet global hydrogen demand for centuries and significantly aid in decarbonizing the planet. The study emphasizes the importance of developing this resource in a timely manner to contribute meaningfully towards achieving net-zero carbon emission goals.
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