Earth's subterranean hydrogen reserves could usher in a fossil fuel-free future

There is a vast underground hydrogen reserves that could power the planet for over two centuries, potentially revolutionizing the global energy landscape.

A study published in Science Advances, titled Model Predictions of Global Geologic Hydrogen Resources, estimates that approximately 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen gas are trapped in subterranean rocks and reservoirs - an amount 26 times greater than known global oil reserves.

This finding challenges the long-held belief that hydrogen, due to its small molecular size and tendency to escape through rock pores, could not accumulate in significant quantities underground. Recent evidence from a chromium mine in Albania and reservoirs in West Africa has shown otherwise, suggesting that substantial hydrogen deposits may indeed exist globally.

"This discovery exceeded my expectations," said Geoffrey Ellis, lead author of the study and a petroleum geochemist at the US Geological Survey (USGS). "The key takeaway is that there’s an enormous amount of hydrogen beneath the Earth’s surface."

As governments worldwide explore clean energy alternatives to combat climate change, hydrogen stands out due to its abundance and potential to replace oil and gas. The study predicts that hydrogen could account for up to 30% of future energy supplies, with global demand projected to grow more than fivefold by 2050.

According to the research, recovering just 2% of the estimated underground hydrogen could meet the planet's projected hydrogen demand - 500 million tons per year - for nearly 200 years.

Unlike green and blue hydrogen, which require external energy sources for production and storage solutions, naturally occurring hydrogen offers a significant advantage. "These reservoirs hold the gas until it's needed, eliminating the challenges of storage," Ellis explained.

Despite the promise, significant hurdles remain in extracting and making natural hydrogen economically viable. Large-scale investment will depend on developing cost-effective methods to harness these hidden reserves.

If successful, this discovery could mark a turning point in the global transition to renewable energy, offering a clean, efficient alternative to fossil fuels and reducing the world's carbon footprint for generations to come.