The mountain ranges of our planet may contain huge reserves of natural hydrogen, potentially giving mankind access to a huge, untapped source of clean energy. This is evidenced by the results of a new study by an international group of scientists, UNN reports with reference to Science Alert.
Details
According to researchers, these gas reservoirs have been produced over millions of years. Although there are ways to produce hydrogen artificially, it is a complex process that is also accompanied by the release of greenhouse gases, which negates the essence of the task. Instead, finding large natural reserves would be an incredible step forward for clean energy technology.
This new research improves our understanding of suitable environments for natural hydrogen generation. Given the economic opportunities associated with natural H2, now is the time to go further and also explore hydrogen migration pathways and deep microbial ecosystems that consume hydrogen to better understand where potential H2 reservoirs may actually form.
The researchers focused specifically on a process called serpentinization, when the mantle beneath the crust pushes upward and comes into contact with water. The chemical reaction produces gaseous hydrogen.
This can happen when continents break apart and when they collide, as the Earth's mantle can rise up in both scenarios. Through modeling, the researchers identified where and when serpentinization is most likely to occur
It is noted that serpentinization is probably much more common in mountain range conditions, where plates shift towards each other, than where they are separated - about 20 times more likely, as the researchers found, due to water cycles and temperature range.
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Moreover, hydrogen reservoirs in the mountains may be relatively easy to access compared to other places we have searched, including ocean ridges. Plans are already being developed to search for hydrogen in the Pyrenees, the European Alps and the Balkans.
Crucial to the success of these efforts will be the development of new concepts and exploration strategies. Particularly important is how the formation of economic natural H2 accumulations is controlled by the tectonic history of a given exploration site
Although this study does not provide a global assessment of the amount of hydrogen that may be hidden, previous studies analyzing serpentinization in the eastern Pyrenees suggest that the hydrogen accumulating there may be enough to meet the needs of half a million people annually. This is an exciting prospect for an energy source that produces water rather than carbon dioxide as its primary waste product.
"Overall, we may be at a turning point for the exploration of natural H2. Thus, we may witness the birth of a new natural hydrogen industry," Zwan added.
Reminder
From April 2025, only boats powered by electricity and hydrogen will be allowed to sail in the center of Amsterdam. Owners of boats with gasoline engines will receive temporary exceptions until 2030.