Natural Hydrogen Reserves Found in Mountains Could Revolutionize Energy Industry – Indian Defence Review

Scientists have discovered vast reserves of natural hydrogen hidden beneath mountain ranges, challenging previous assumptions about where this clean energy source can be found. A new study reveals that geological activity in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Himalayas is generating significant amounts of hydrogen, offering a potential breakthrough in the search for low-cost, carbon-free fuel. A new study has revealed that mountain ranges could hold vast reserves of natural hydrogen, offering a potential breakthrough in the search for clean, renewable energy sources. Researchers at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences have found that geological processes deep within the Pyrenees, Alps, and parts of the Himalayas may be naturally producing hydrogen in quantities far greater than previously believed. If successfully extracted, this so-called “white hydrogen” could become a game-changing energy source, reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels and significantly lowering carbon emissions.The discovery centers on a natural process called serpentinization, which occurs when deep mantle rocks interact with water, leading to the creation of new minerals and the release of hydrogen gas. Unlike previous assumptions that hydrogen reserves were primarily linked to rift zones where continents split apart, this study highlights mountain ranges as far more productive hydrogen reservoirs, with the potential to generate up to 20 times more hydrogen annually than rift basins.The study, published in Science Advances, suggests that mountains provide the ideal conditions for large-scale natural hydrogen generation due to the combination of tectonic activity, heat, and water availability. Researchers used plate tectonic modeling to pinpoint specific regions where deep mantle rocks are brought closer to the surface, allowing hydrogen to accumulate in underground reservoirs. The findings indicate that mountainous environments offer a far greater hydrogen output than previously thought, making them a critical target for future energy exploration.Sascha Brune, head of the Geodynamic Modelling Section at GFZ, emphasized the importance of these findings in shaping the future of natural hydrogen research:“This new research advances our understanding of suitable environments for natural hydrogen generation.”Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods, which rely on fossil fuels and emit large amounts of carbon dioxide, tapping into naturally occurring hydrogen reserves could provide an efficient and carbon-free alternative. If exploration efforts confirm substantial accumulations of drillable hydrogen, this discovery could become a cornerstone of the global transition to cleaner energy sources.Scientists are now urging increased exploration efforts in mountain regions to confirm whether these hydrogen deposits exist in commercially viable quantities. Early exploration projects are already underway in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Balkans, where preliminary signs of natural hydrogen accumulation have been detected.According to Frank Zwaan, lead author of the study, success in this field will require innovative exploration strategies to determine where hydrogen-rich reservoirs are most likely to form. He emphasized the importance of understanding the tectonic history of each location to identify the most promising drilling sites:“Crucial to the success of these efforts will be the development of novel concepts and exploration strategies. Of particular importance is how the formation of economic natural H₂ accumulations is controlled by the tectonic history of a given exploration site.”Unlike fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form, hydrogen generated through serpentinization is a continuous process, meaning that these reserves could be self-replenishing over time. This has led experts to consider the possibility of a new natural hydrogen industry, which could revolutionize the global energy market.Zwaan concluded by highlighting the significance of this discovery in shaping the future of clean energy:“Overall, we may be at a turning point for natural H₂ exploration. As such, we could be witnessing the birth of a new natural hydrogen industry.”If confirmed, this finding could mark a major shift in the global energy landscape, with mountainous regions becoming key sites for hydrogen extraction. This could provide a low-cost, carbon-free energy source, making hydrogen a viable alternative to fossil fuels in industries such as aviation, steelmaking, and heavy transport.Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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