A recent study published in Science Advances reveals that a vast reserve of hydrogen gas buried beneath the Earth's crust may contain an estimated 6.2 trillion tons of this clean energy source. This quantity far surpasses global oil reserves, with hydrogen amounts calculated to be 26 times greater than remaining crude oil.
Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist with the U.S. Geological Survey, emphasized that extracting just 2 percent of these hydrogen stocks could provide enough energy to achieve global carbon neutrality for approximately two centuries. Natural hydrogen, produced through geological processes such as the breakdown of water molecules, is stored naturally in reservoirs, eliminating the need for energy-intensive extraction methods.
Despite the enormous potential, significant challenges remain in pinpointing the exact locations of these underground hydrogen deposits. Current estimates vary widely, ranging from 1 billion to 10 trillion tons, due to limitations in modeling approaches. Ongoing research aims to refine criteria for identifying viable hydrogen reserves, with further findings anticipated in 2024.
If recoverable, natural hydrogen could revolutionize energy systems worldwide, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development. The implications of this discovery could reshape the future of energy production and consumption.