Underground hydrogen reserves could sustain global energy needs for two centuries
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Vast underground reserves of natural hydrogen could provide a sustainable energy solution for the next 200 years, according to a new study.
Researchers estimate that trillions of tons of this clean energy resource are trapped beneath the Earth's crust, offering a viable alternative to fossil fuels. While much remains unknown about the precise locations and accessibility of these reserves, their potential to reshape global energy systems is immense.
A study published in Science Advances suggests that approximately 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen are buried in rocks and subterranean reservoirs. This amount far surpasses global oil reserves, with hydrogen quantities estimated to be 26 times greater than the remaining crude oil. Despite this abundance, much of the hydrogen may lie at depths or in locations that are difficult or uneconomical to access.
Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), highlighted the transformative potential of even a small portion of these reserves. “Just 2 percent of these hydrogen stocks could power the world for 200 years while helping achieve carbon neutrality,” Ellis explained.
Natural hydrogen is generated through geological processes, including the breakdown of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike hydrogen produced via water electrolysis - which relies on external energy sources - natural hydrogen is self-generated and naturally stored, eliminating the need for additional energy-intensive storage systems.
Locating and tapping into these reserves pose significant challenges. The study’s estimates of hydrogen quantities range widely - from 1 billion to 10 trillion tons - reflecting the uncertainty in current modelling techniques. However, researchers are working to refine the geological criteria needed to pinpoint recoverable reserves more effectively.
The accessibility and economic feasibility of these reserves remain key concerns. Many potential deposits are located deep within the Earth's crust, making extraction complex and costly.
If recoverable, natural hydrogen could revolutionize the global energy landscape by providing a low-emission, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Researchers are optimistic about further narrowing the search for viable reserves and expect to share more findings in 2024.