'White' hydrogen hunted
Excitement about the possibilities of ‘white’ hydrogen is growing globally.
Untapped reserves of geologic hydrogen deep underground could revolutionise the global energy system, offering a virtually limitless source of carbon-free power.
While the transition to renewable energy has primarily focused on wind and solar power, scientists now believe that natural hydrogen generated through geologic processes could provide a far greater supply of energy.
Geologic hydrogen is produced continuously and is believed to be created through a chemical reaction of water and iron-rich minerals.
Startups such as HyTerra and Natural Hydrogen Energy are already drilling for geologic hydrogen in locations like Nebraska, Kansas, and Australia.
These companies are akin to early oil drillers searching for petroleum.
Major energy companies, including Shell, BP, and Chevron, have also joined a consortium to study geologic hydrogen.
The potential volume of geologic hydrogen globally is estimated to be astronomical, and if even a small percentage of it is harnessed, it could supply the world's demand for hundreds of years.
In addition to its clean energy potential, the underground conditions that generate hydrogen may also yield valuable helium.
The commercialisation of geologic hydrogen may still take several years, but the discovery has the potential to transform the energy landscape and challenge the economic models of traditional fossil fuel industries.
More details are accessible here.