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Scientists Unveil Strategy to Unlock Earth's Vast Natural Hydrogen Reserves

New research outlines a detailed exploration methodology to locate and preserve natural hydrogen, offering a zero-carbon energy source for global needs.

Natural hydrogen naturally released at the Earth's surface from groundwater in rocks of the Canadian Shield. Photo Credit: Stable Isotope Lab University of Toronto

Overview

  • Earth's crust contains vast natural hydrogen reserves, potentially sufficient to meet global energy demands for over 170,000 years.
  • A study published in *Nature Reviews Earth & Environment* provides a first-principles 'exploration recipe' to identify, trap, and preserve hydrogen accumulations underground.
  • Key geological conditions include reactive rock types, water interaction, porous storage rocks, and impermeable seals to trap the gas.
  • Challenges such as hydrogen consumption by underground microbes and preservation of viable reservoirs remain under active investigation.
  • The formation of Snowfox Discovery Ltd. signals growing commercial interest, with backing from major investors like Bill Gates and BP to scale up exploration efforts.