As the world strives to transition to a net-zero carbon economy, the search for clean and sustainable energy sources has become crucial. One promising contender is hydrogen, a versatile fuel that does not produce CO2 when used. However, the current methods of hydrogen production are predominantly carbon-intensive. This has limited the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy source.
Recently, a significant breakthrough was made in northeast France when a large deposit of natural hydrogen was discovered nearly 3,000m underground. This serendipitous find could potentially disrupt the energy landscape and pave the way for a hydrogen revolution. Natural hydrogen, also known as gold or white hydrogen, is formed through the interaction of groundwater with iron-rich minerals. This process splits the water into oxygen and hydrogen, making it an emission-free source of the gas.
The French discovery represents the largest naturally-occurring deposit of hydrogen ever found, estimated to contain 250 million tonnes of hydrogen. This quantity is sufficient to meet current global demand for over two years. Moreover, there are believed to be numerous untapped hydrogen deposits around the world, with the potential for thousands or even billions of megatonnes of accessible hydrogen. While not all of it is economically viable, the US Geological Survey estimates that there are around 100,000 megatonnes of accessible hydrogen reserves, enough to meet demand for hundreds of years.
The technology for harvesting natural hydrogen is similar to that used for natural gas production, making it relatively feasible to exploit these newfound reserves. Currently, the only commercial production facility for white hydrogen operates in Mali, producing a modest five tonnes per year. However, there are efforts underway to unlock the potential of natural hydrogen on a larger scale. For instance, Bill Gates’s Breakthrough Energy Ventures has invested $91 million in Koloma, a US start-up focused on exploiting white hydrogen reserves. Prospectors are also targeting deposits in countries such as Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, and Togo.
A key region for natural hydrogen exploration is South Australia, which recently added hydrogen to its list of regulated substances permitted for exploration. This decision has catalyzed interest, with six companies applying for and receiving 18 exploration licenses covering an area of 570,000 square kilometers. One company, Gold Hydrogen, has already reported a significant discovery in South Australia and aims to commence production in the coming years.
Despite the immense potential, major energy players have been cautious in their involvement with natural hydrogen. The high-risk nature of this venture has led them to adopt a wait-and-see approach, allowing start-ups to take the initial plunge. However, as production data becomes available and the market for hydrogen develops, it is expected that the major oil and gas companies will enter the scene.
One of the challenges that the natural hydrogen industry faces is the lack of a mature market for hydrogen, particularly in the United States. This creates a chicken and egg situation, where the market requires a sufficient supply, while the supply needs a thriving market to support its development. However, with concerted efforts and decisive action, this hurdle can be overcome.
The discovery of natural hydrogen deposits represents a game-changing opportunity for the energy transition. It offers the possibility of a green and sustainable alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods, driving the journey towards a net-zero carbon future. As exploration and production efforts expand, it is essential to ensure the responsible and sustainable extraction of natural hydrogen resources. This includes considering the potential environmental impacts and implementing effective regulatory frameworks to protect both the environment and local communities.
In conclusion, the discovery of natural hydrogen deposits, such as the recent find in northeast France, ignites hope for a hydrogen-powered future. This clean and abundant energy source has the potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape and facilitate the transition to a net-zero carbon economy. However, realizing this potential will require collaborative efforts among governments, industry players, and research institutions to develop the necessary infrastructure and foster the growth of the hydrogen market. By capitalizing on this opportunity and overcoming the existing challenges, we can unlock the full potential of natural hydrogen and build a sustainable energy future.
