Natural Hydrogen

Natural Hydrogen Latest News

Recently, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and USGS have started formal hydrogen exploration initiatives.

What is Natural Hydrogen?

• Hydrogen is considered the fuel of the future due to its potential to decarbonise the global economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly.
• Natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, refers to naturally occurring molecular hydrogen in the Earth’s crust, unlike industrially produced hydrogen.

How is Natural Hydrogen Formed?

• It is generated through geological processes, primarily:
  • Serpentinisation – a reaction between water and iron-rich rocks.
  • Radiolysis – breakdown of water molecules by radioactive rocks.
  • Decomposition of organic matter in deep geological formations.

Why is Natural Hydrogen Important?

• Natural hydrogen is a clean energy source that, if harvested sustainably, can significantly reduce carbon emissions.
• It can provide a low-cost and low-emission alternative to conventional hydrogen sources like grey hydrogen (from natural gas) and green hydrogen (from renewable electricity).
• The cost of natural hydrogen extraction may fall to around $1/kg or less, which is lower than current green hydrogen production costs.
• Natural hydrogen is typically associated with tectonically active regions, ultramafic and basaltic rocks, ophiolite complexes, and hydrothermal systems.
• In India, potential-rich regions include:
  • Cratonic belts (e.g., Dharwar, Singhbhum)
  • Sedimentary basins (e.g., Vindhyan, Cuddapah, Gondwana, Chhattisgarh)
  • Ophiolitic zones in the Andaman Islands and Himalayas.
  • Basement rock fracture zones and hot springs.

Source: TH