Scientists discover large reserves of clean fuel beneath mountains

Scientists discover large reserves of clean fuel beneath mountains

A new study suggests that mountainous areas contain large amounts of... white hydrogen could exist. This raises hopes that this clean-burning gas can be extracted to significantly aid efforts to combat the climate crisis.

The potential of white hydrogen

White hydrogen has gained attention in recent years because of its potential to replace fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. Only in the last few decades has science linked this powerful energy source, also known as "natural" or "geological" hydrogen, to large deposits in the earth's crust.

Research on creation and availability

Since then, geologists have been studying how white hydrogen is formed and where it could be found. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out where there are sufficient quantities to meet humanity's insatiable energy needs.

Modeling to identify occurrences

To find answers, a team of scientists used computer models to simulate the movements of the Earth's tectonic plates. These simulations helped identify regions where the ideal conditions for producing white hydrogen exist. The Pyrenees and the Alps have been identified as potential hotspots, as in the study, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.

Sustainability through hydrogen

Hydrogen, which produces only water when burned, has long been considered an environmentally friendly fuel, particularly for energy-intensive industries such as aviation and steelmaking. However, the majority of commercially produced hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels, neutralizing its climate-friendly properties.

History of discovery

The interest in white hydrogen can probably be traced back to its accidental discovery in 1987 in Mali. There, a water fountain exploded when a worker leaned over the edge with a cigarette. The well was quickly capped and reopened in 2011 and has since supplied hydrogen to a local village.

Global occurrences and challenges

White hydrogen has already been found in the US, Australia and France, but the challenge was discovering large quantities. “We know that nature produces hydrogen, but it has never really been explored as an option for energy production,” explains Frank Zwaan, an author of the study and a geologist at the Helmholtz Center for Geosciences in Germany. However, given the escalating climate crisis, the race for alternatives is becoming increasingly urgent.

Natural formation of hydrogen

Hydrogen forms naturally through various processes, including radioactive decay in the earth's crust. Zwaan's team focused on "serpentinization," where water interacts with iron-bearing rocks from the Earth's mantle to produce hydrogen.

The role of geographical processes

These rocks are usually found deep in the earth where water is not easily available. However, geological processes over millions of years can cause them to be pushed to the surface. This happens beneath the oceans when continents separate from each other, and also when continents collide, closing ocean basins and forcing mantle rocks upward.

Modeling the tectonic plates

Scientists use tectonic plate modeling to figure out where and when this mantle rock was “exhumed” and in what quantities. They found that certain mountain ranges, including the Pyrenees, the Alps and parts of the Himalayas, provide good conditions for producing white hydrogen because of the presence of large amounts of mantle rock at favorable temperatures and deep faults that enable the water cycle.

White hydrogen as a game changer

The available amounts of mantle rock in mountains could suggest that white hydrogen “could be a game-changer,” Zwaan said.

The future of the hydrogen industry

The big question now is where are large deposits of white hydrogen that are drillable? It might also be possible to artificially promote serpentinization by pumping water into areas where mantle rocks lie close to the surface.

Current explorations

Early explorations are already taking place in areas such as France, the Balkans and the USA. This new research can help geologists identify regions with the greatest potential for extensive white hydrogen resources. This is expected to have “a direct and significant impact on geological hydrogen research,” Ellis said.

Steps to Establish an Industry

There are many steps to creating a viable white hydrogen industry, including developing reliable and economical methods of extraction and infrastructure for storage and transportation. Zwaan emphasizes that it will likely take decades to commercialize this. “We shouldn’t expect it to be an instant miracle cure.”

Optimism for the future

Nevertheless, he is optimistic. “Oil was just a curiosity for a while until technology was ready to use it on a large scale,” he explains. Something similar could also apply to white hydrogen.