Description

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Context

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a clean energy carrier of the future that can help decarbonize various sectors such as industry, transport and electricity.

While green hydrogen produced from renewable energy is promising but expensive, a lesser-known form natural or geologic hydrogen is emerging as a potentially abundant and low-cost alternative.

Recent discoveries including new reserves in France’s Lorraine and Moselle regions and interest in India’s geological formations have reinvigorated global exploration.

What is Natural Hydrogen?

Natural hydrogen also called gold hydrogen or white hydrogen refers to hydrogen that is naturally generated and stored within the Earth’s crust.

Sources of Formation

Serpentinisation: Reaction of water with ultramafic rocks.

Radiolysis: Splitting of water molecules due to radiation from radioactive rocks.

Organic Matter Decomposition: Generation from deep buried organic materials.

Volcanic outgassing, hydrothermal vents and coal mines also release natural hydrogen.

Historical Context

In 1987 a borewell in Bourakébougou, Mali unexpectedly released flammable gas.

In 2012 it was identified as 98% pure hydrogen.

This discovery challenged the previous belief that hydrogen’s small size and high reactivity would prevent its accumulation in commercial quantities.

Global Reserves and Distribution

Countries with Active Exploration or Discoveries

France (Lorraine and Moselle)

USA (Kansas, Nebraska)

Australia (Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island)

Spain, Albania, South Korea, Colombia, Canada

US Geological Survey (2022) Estimate

Tens of trillions of tonnes of natural hydrogen may exist globally.

If just 2% is extractable it could meet global hydrogen demand for 200 years.

India's Potential

Favourable Geological Formations

Ophiolite belts: Andaman & Himalayas

Cratonic belts: Dharwar, Singhbhum

Volcanic-sedimentary basins: Vindhyan, Cuddapah, Chhattisgarh, Gondwana

Hot springs & hydrothermal systems

Fractured basement rocks

Advantages of Natural Hydrogen

Parameter	Natural Hydrogen
Emissions	Near-zero carbon emissions
Availability	Potentially vast and continuous
Cost	As low as $1/kg (cheaper than green hydrogen)
Extraction Technology	Similar to natural gas drilling (less new infra needed)
Energy Independence	Reduces dependence on fossil fuels and imports

Current Challenges

Challenge	Explanation
Exploration Uncertainty	Lack of mapping and geophysical data
Scattered Deposits	Deposits may be too small or dispersed
Lack of Regulatory Frameworks	No clear policy for hydrogen mining in most countries
Commercial Viability Unknown	Cost of extraction, storage, and transport is unclear
Technological Readiness	Drilling, safety, and hydrogen purity need R&D

Industry Response and Global Rush

Startups and Giants

Koloma (USA): Raised $245 million (Amazon & Gates-backed)

Snowfox Discovery (UK): Funded by BP & Rio Tinto

40+ companies globally involved (up from 10 in 2020)

Scientific Institutions

USGS: Geological hydrogen zone mapping

AAPG: First natural hydrogen committee formed

Way Forward

National natural hydrogen exploration program like ONGC for hydrocarbons.

Public-private partnerships for pilot drilling.

Integration with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Research on eco-friendly and efficient extraction technologies.

Sources: HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. A global race for natural hydrogen reserves is underway. Analyse the implications of this race on international energy geopolitics and India's strategic interests. 250 words