What is Natural Hydrogen?
- Occurs naturally in the Earth’s crust — unlike manufactured hydrogen (gray, blue, green).
- Formed via serpentinisation, radiolysis of water, and organic matter breakdown at depth.
- Known to be 98% pure in some locations (e.g., Bourakébougou, Mali).
Relevance : GS 3(Technology ,Energy Security)
Why Was It Previously Overlooked?
- Considered a geological curiosity for decades.
- Belief: Hydrogen’s small size and reactivity prevent large underground accumulations.
- Not part of traditional oil & gas exploration frameworks.
What Changed Recently?
- Accidental discovery in Mali (1987) confirmed large pure hydrogen seeps.
- Studies and models (e.g., USGS 2022) now indicate huge potential reserves globally.
- Scientific recognition that certain tectonic and hydrothermal zones can store hydrogen.
Global Reserve Potential
- USGS estimate: Even if 2% of natural reserves are exploitable, they could meet global hydrogen demand for 200 years.
- Notable deposits found in France, Australia, U.S., Albania, Canada, etc.
- 92 million tonnes estimated in France’s Lorraine and Moselle regions alone.
India’s Potential
- India has favourable geology for natural hydrogen:
- Ultramafic/mafic rocks, ophiolite complexes, volcanic-sedimentary cratons (e.g., Dharwar, Singhbhum).
- Basement rock fractures, sedimentary basins, and hot springs as potential sites.
- Still largely unexplored but promising.
Industry Trends
- Growing interest: 40+ companies exploring by 2023 (vs. 10 in 2020).
- Companies claim low extraction cost (~$1/kg) — cheaper than green hydrogen.
- Major players:
- Koloma (U.S.): $245M raised from Amazon and Gates’ Breakthrough Energy.
- BP, Rio Tinto: Investing in UK-based hydrogen start-up Snowfox Discovery.
- American Association of Petroleum Geologists formed its first natural hydrogen committee.
Benefits of Natural Hydrogen
- Low carbon emissions and minimal environmental disruption (if harvested sustainably).
- Abundant, cheap, and naturally renewable.
- Could significantly help in decarbonising global energy systems.
Challenges & Uncertainties
- Exploration methods still evolving — no dedicated frameworks like hydrocarbons yet.
- Economic feasibility is site-specific; many deposits may be too scattered or deep.
- Still in nascent stages of development and global policy recognition.
Conclusion
Natural hydrogen holds enormous promise as a clean, cost-effective fuel. While still underexplored, it may become a game-changer in the global shift toward renewable energy — including for India, if proactive exploration and policy support follow.
