The Emergence of Natural Hydrogen: Genesis and Current Perspectives

Abstract

In recent years, natural hydrogen has emerged as a promising source in the future energy mix. Since its accidental discovery in Mali in 2012, global interest in this form of hydrogen—often called geological, white, or gold hydrogen—has surged. Generated primarily through serpentinization, a process where water reacts with iron-rich minerals, natural hydrogen can become trapped in reservoirs beneath impermeable rocks. Other natural processes also contribute to its formation.

A recent study by French geologists and Albanian scientists found hydrogen with 85% purity in a chromium mine, with minimal methane contamination, resulting in a low carbon intensity of around 0.4 kg CO2e per kg of hydrogen produced. According to Rystad Energy, white hydrogen could potentially transform the clean hydrogen sector, shifting it from an energy carrier to a primary energy source.

Interest in natural hydrogen is growing rapidly, with the number of companies involved, increasing from 10 in 2020 to 40 by the end of last year. Exploration is underway in countries like Australia, the U.S., Spain, France, Albania, and Canada. Canada-based Hydroma, for instance, extracts white hydrogen at just $0.50 per kg, while projects in Spain and Australia aim for around $1 per kg. This suggests that natural hydrogen could offer a cost-effective, low-carbon energy alternative.

This article examines the potential of natural hydrogen to play a key role in achieving a net-zero carbon future by exploring its science, economics, and ongoing global exploration efforts.