In a recent breakthrough, French researchers uncovered a significant natural hydrogen deposit in an Albanian mine, likening it to a “Jacuzzi.” The discovery, reported by New Scientist, offers valuable insights into potential locations for additional natural hydrogen reservoirs, a critical need in the quest for sustainable energy.
Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist leading a U.S. Geological Survey study, suggested that up to 5 trillion tons of hydrogen could be hidden underground. Despite the majority being currently inaccessible, even a modest recovery, around a few percent, could meet the projected demand of 500 million tons annually for centuries.
Hydrogen, as an abundant element in the universe, is gaining prominence as a pivotal component of the global energy transition due to its environmentally friendly combustion, emitting only water vapor. The aspirations include its use as a substitute for natural gas in home heating and a burgeoning market for hydrogen-fueled cars. Additionally, ambitious plans in Europe and the U.S. aim to establish green hydrogen as the primary energy source for industries using hydrogen derived from hydrocarbons, including fertilizers and oil refining.
However, the transition to emission-free hydrogen faces real-world challenges, including high production costs and the need for substantial wind or solar generation capacity, particularly in countries like Spain. Despite ambitious green hydrogen plans, building the necessary generation capacity requires time and significant investments.
Conversely, geologic hydrogen presents a promising alternative. Researchers argue that extracting and utilizing geologic hydrogen could be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly than producing green hydrogen. A startup backed by Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund emphasizes the opportunity to produce clean hydrogen with a low carbon footprint, minimal land and water usage, and reduced energy consumption.
Some experts predict a potential “gold rush” for geologic hydrogen, highlighting its potential advantages over green hydrogen. However, the nascent nature of this research area requires caution. While there is talk of trillions of tons of hydrogen beneath the Earth’s surface, evidence of actual deposits remains sparse. The recent discovery in the Albanian mine, leaking hydrogen at a rate of 11 tons per year, represents the largest flow from a single source globally. Despite this, researchers estimate the deposit’s total hydrogen content to be between 5,000 and 50,000 tons.
The excitement surrounding geologic hydrogen is evident, with governments, including the U.S. Department of Energy, allocating substantial funds for research. However, conclusive proof and further exploration are essential to determine if geologic hydrogen can live up to the hype and potentially revolutionize the clean energy landscape.