Unveiling the White and Gold Hydrogen Rush: Geologists Predict Trillions of Tonnes Underground
Key Ideas
  • Geologists predict the existence of trillions of tonnes of natural hydrogen underground, potentially revolutionizing the energy sector with clean and renewable hydrogen resources.
  • Insights from the USGS report suggest that even a tiny percentage of recoverable natural hydrogen could meet the world's hydrogen needs for centuries to come.
  • The extraction of natural hydrogen is seen as a cleaner and cheaper alternative to current methods, sparking a 'Gold Rush' among industry players and paving the way for global energy transition.
  • Despite challenges in commercializing natural hydrogen, ongoing research and technological advancements are expected to make large-scale application feasible, attracting global competition for development.
Geologists have unearthed a potential 'gold rush' with the discovery of trillions of tonnes of natural hydrogen underground, also known as 'white' or 'gold' hydrogen. The US Geological Survey (USGS) reveals that the Earth's crust could harbor up to five trillion tons of natural hydrogen, a resource that could meet the world's hydrogen demand for centuries. Researchers believe that even a small fraction of this vast resource could transform the energy paradigm, offering a cheap and renewable source of hydrogen for the future. Experts are optimistic about the prospects of natural hydrogen, with the US government investing $20 million in developing technologies for its measurement and production. Unlike traditional methods like steam methane reforming or electrolysis, the extraction of natural hydrogen is viewed as a cleaner and more cost-effective solution. The industry is witnessing a shift towards exploring natural hydrogen reserves, sparking a competitive race for commercialization. Countries like Albania and Mali, along with ventures such as Australia's Gold Hydrogen and Koloma, are at the forefront of this 'Gold Rush.' While challenges exist, advancements in technology are expected to overcome obstacles like separating hydrogen from other compounds, making large-scale application feasible. Geologists, including experts from the Colorado School of Mines, are redefining their approach to identifying regions rich in natural hydrogen. With ongoing research and increasing operational activities, the potential of natural hydrogen to drive the global energy transition is gaining momentum. Despite concerns about marketability and extraction difficulties, the industry is hopeful that natural hydrogen will play a vital role in addressing energy shortages and environmental issues, ushering in a new era of sustainable energy production.
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