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.

Natural Hydrogen FAQs

Q1. What is Natural Hydrogen?
Ans. Natural Hydrogen refers to molecular hydrogen (H₂) that is naturally present in the Earth’s subsurface, unlike hydrogen produced through industrial processes.

Q2. How is Natural Hydrogen different from Green Hydrogen?
Ans. Natural Hydrogen occurs geologically, while Green Hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources via electrolysis.

Source: TH