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Scientists reveal the existence of 6,2 billion tons of natural hydrogen reserves underground, capable of replacing fossil fuels and generating twice the energy stored in all known natural gas reserves.
Research published in the journal Science Advances on December 13 has revealed something astonishing: there are vast reserves of natural hydrogen hidden beneath the Earth’s surface, enough to meet energy demands for up to 200 years. Could this discovery revolutionize the energy sector?
What are natural hydrogen reserves?
Natural hydrogen is formed by chemical reactions that occur in underground rocks. One of the most common processes is the separation of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, but there are several other reactions that generate the gas, even in small quantities. Until recently, it was believed that this hydrogen easily escaped into the atmosphere due to its molecular size. However, recent studies have shown that it can be trapped in underground reservoirs, challenging old theories.
Today, most of the hydrogen we use is produced artificially. This process consumes electrical energy, whether generated from renewable sources (resulting in so-called green hydrogen) or from fossil fuels (blue hydrogen). Natural hydrogen, on the other hand, does not require external energy to be formed, which makes it an incredibly attractive option. All you need to do is open a valve to access the gas, as Geoffrey Ellis, a geochemist at the United States Geological Survey (USGS), explained.
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Estimated quantity and comparison with other fuels
The numbers are staggering: around 6,2 billion tons of natural hydrogen lie beneath our feet, according to the study’s estimates. That’s 26 times more than all known oil reserves! Just 2% of these reserves would be enough to achieve carbon neutrality within two centuries, a figure that makes clear the revolutionary potential of this discovery.
Hydrogen is a clean energy source. It does not emit carbon dioxide when used, making it a perfect alternative to reduce the environmental footprint. Gas offers twice the energy stored in all known natural gas reserves. It’s like trading in an old, polluting car for a state-of-the-art electric vehicle — with efficiency and sustainability to spare.
Location and accessibility of reservoirs
Not everything is simple. Many natural hydrogen reservoirs are located at extreme depths or in remote regions, making their extraction a real challenge. Not all identified reserves are of a size or concentration that economically justifies their exploitation.
Large-scale extraction still requires technological advances and high investments. Although promising, this energy source needs to become competitive with current alternatives to truly consolidate itself in the market.
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels
With the discovery of these reserves, there is a golden opportunity to reduce our dependence on oil and natural gas. This not only eases pressure on finite resources, but also provides a cleaner and safer energy solution for the future.
If exploited sustainably, natural hydrogen could be a key player in the fight against climate change. It has the potential to replace fossil fuels in critical sectors such as transportation and heavy industry, helping to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The next steps in scientific research
Geoffrey Ellis and his team are working to map the geological conditions that favor the formation of large hydrogen reserves. Preliminary results, expected next year, promise to shed more light on where and how these reserves might be exploited.
Experts predict that hydrogen will represent up to 30% of the energy mix in some sectors by 2050. If we can locate and exploit these reserves in a viable way, the impact on the global energy market will be huge. We are literally one foot in the future.
Natural hydrogen reserves offer a glimpse of a more sustainable world and less dependent on fossil fuels. With the potential to drastically change the energy landscape, they represent a unique opportunity to advance the global energy transition. Science has given us a clue as to what is to come. Now, it is up to us to seize this opportunity. After all, the future could be right under our feet!
Use this hydrogen reserve??????
He forgets!
May it be useful to do good to our planet.
Pre salt?