With the potential to power the planet for centuries, the USGS map highlights regions across the U.S. rich in natural hydrogen, ushering in a new era for clean, sustainable energy.
Have you ever thought about discovering a clean energy mine right beneath our feet, capable of powering the planet for centuries? Sounds like a scene from a movie? Well, that's exactly what the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has revealed with its new natural hydrogen exploration map, also known as geological or white hydrogen.
Launched in January, this roadmap marks an important step in the search for more sustainable energy alternatives, putting natural hydrogen in the global spotlight. Let’s understand why this is so revolutionary.
What is natural hydrogen and why is it important?
Natural hydrogen is a gas found directly underground, accumulated in rocks and natural reservoirs. Unlike the most common forms of hydrogen production (such as gray and green hydrogen, which depend on complex industrial processes), natural hydrogen is extracted directly from the Earth.
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While industrially produced hydrogen is energy intensive and can generate carbon emissions, natural hydrogen offers an almost “ready-to-use” alternative. It’s like find water in an oasis in the desert global energy.
In addition to being extremely clean, hydrogen is highly efficient and versatile. It can be used to fuel vehicles, generate electricity and even as a raw material in industrial processes.
The USGS Map: How It Could Transform U.S. Energy
The USGS map is more than a scientific tool—it’s a window into the future. It identifies the regions of the U.S. with the greatest potential for natural hydrogen deposits, offering a new opportunity to revolutionize the country’s energy mix.
According to the Eixos website, the most promising areas include central parts of the continent, such as Kansas, Iowa and Minnesota, as well as western states such as Colorado and Arizona. Even the coast of California is emerging as a candidate for future “energy gold.”
With a prospectivity scale of 0 to 1, the map highlights the richest areas in dark blue. This detailed methodology can be replicated in other parts of the world, expanding the research beyond the borders of the United States.
The future of natural energy exploration
Although the potential is enormous, there are still challenges along the way. Extraction techniques, economic viability and environmental regulations are some of the obstacles that need to be overcome.
It is estimated that even a fraction of the world's natural hydrogen reserves could meet energy needs for centuries. In the US, exploitation of this resource could generate jobs, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and consolidate the country as a leader in the global energy transition.
Still, large-scale exploration depends on technological advances and a greater understanding of how to locate and extract gas safely and efficiently.
The global role of natural hydrogen in the energy transition
Natural hydrogen isn’t just a solution for the U.S.; it’s a key player in the global race for clean energy. Countries like Brazil, Canada and Australia are already investing in research on the topic, while renewable energy companies are positioning themselves to explore this new frontier.
In Brazil, Petrobras announced investments in research on natural hydrogen, collaborating with international consortia. This exchange of knowledge and technology is essential to accelerate the energy transition across the planet.
Brazil's participation in international consortia, such as the one led by the USGS, can open doors for new investments and technological advances in the country, helping to transform the potential of natural hydrogen into reality.