A groundbreaking study reveals that a hidden source of clean energy could potentially power the planet for over a hundred thousand years if harnessed effectively. According to research published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, there may be significant reserves of hydrogen located within the Earth's crust, capable of meeting the world's current energy demands for the next 170,000 years.
The idea of utilizing hydrogen as a form of renewable energy is not new; however, current statistics show that only a mere 0.1% of hydrogen production is classified as green or climate-neutral, as reported by the World Economic Forum. Presently, hydrogen is produced predominantly through thermal processes involving steam and hydrocarbons, which contribute approximately 2.4% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to researchers from the University of Oxford.
Researchers suggest that these hydrogen systems may be buried beneath continents worldwide, including in at least 30 U.S. states. The study indicates that hydrogen gas has been accumulating in the Earth's crust for over a billion years, presenting a largely untapped energy resource. To locate these hydrogen reservoirs, scientists have developed an exploration strategy that assesses not only where these reserves could be found but also the economic viability of extracting them.
Jon Gluyas, chair of geoenergy, carbon capture, and storage at Durham University and co-author of the study, noted the potential for a similar exploration approach used for helium to be applied to hydrogen. The researchers identified essential geological ingredients necessary for successful extraction: abundant hydrogen gas, suitable reservoir rocks, and geological formations that can prevent hydrogen from escaping into the atmosphere.
Barbara Sherwood Lollar, a professor of earth sciences at the University of Toronto, emphasized the importance of avoiding environments where underground microbes could interact with hydrogen, as these microbes tend to consume the gas. This insight is crucial for preserving hydrogen in economically viable accumulations.
The exploration strategy for locating hydrogen is compared to the delicate process of cooking a soufflé. Chris Ballentine, chair of geochemistry at Oxford University and the lead author of the paper, stated that any miscalculation in the ingredients, amounts, timing, or temperature could lead to disappointing results. The researchers believe that perfecting this exploration recipe could unlock a commercially viable, sustainable source of hydrogen that significantly aids in the global energy transition.
Interestingly, the research also clarifies that other potential sources of hydrogen gas, such as those from the Earth's mantle, are not viable, despite previous speculations. Ballentine asserted that the team possesses the necessary expertise to combine the essential ingredients and develop an effective exploration recipe.
A reliable supply of hydrogen is crucial for various aspects of modern life. It is integral to the production of fertilizers used in agriculture and serves as a key component in achieving a carbon-neutral future. The global demand for hydrogen reached 97 million tons in 2023, and projections indicate that this demand may surge to 540 million tons by 2050.
As researchers continue to explore innovative methods for hydrogen production, they suggest that future sources may include production processes that involve the burial of CO2 waste or renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar energy. This research not only highlights the extensive potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source but also paves the way for sustainable energy practices that could significantly contribute to a greener planet.
