Hidden hydrogen could power Earth for 170,000 years

A recent study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment reveals that significant reserves of hydrogen might be present in the Earth’s crust, potentially capable of powering the planet for 170,000 years at current energy consumption levels. Conducted by researchers primarily associated with the University of Oxford and Durham University, this research highlights that hydrogen gas has been accumulating in the crust for over a billion years. The authors suggest that there are hydrogen systems located beneath various continents, including more than 30 states in the U.S., where geological conditions are favorable for hydrogen containment. Currently, only about 0.1% of hydrogen produced is considered green, which means it is generated in a climate-neutral way, largely due to reliance on thermal processes that produce significant carbon dioxide emissions. This research indicates that traditional methods of hydrogen production are insufficient to meet escalating global demands, which are expected to jump from 97 million tons in 2023 to 540 million tons by 2050. Thus, tapping into natural hydrogen reserves could provide a sustainable solution to meet future energy needs without adding to global carbon emissions. The explored approach to identifying potential hydrogen reservoirs mimics a recipe where precise geological conditions must be met for successful extraction. The required ingredients for this 'exploration recipe' include sufficient hydrogen gas, appropriate reservoir rocks, and a stable geological formation that prevents the gas from escaping. Notably, the study stresses avoiding environments where hydrogen-eating microbes exist, as they could deplete hydrogen reserves. The potential impact of viable hydrogen production from these reserves could significantly contribute to the global energy transition. By developing a reliable supply of hydrogen, the study posits that it can play a pivotal role in producing fertilizers crucial for agriculture while supporting the movement towards a carbon-neutral future. As global attention shifts towards cleaner energy sources, the implications of these findings could reshape the future of energy production and usage worldwide.