“It could feed humanity for 170,000 years”: this forgotten source of energy resurfaces at the right time

Natural hydrogen may well be the key to the global energy transition, buried under our feet for millennia. Meanwhile, This gas, continuously produced by the earth’s crust, represents a clean and potentially inexhaustible source of energy. Furthermore, Recent research has highlighted its potential. However, suggesting that geological processes have generated enough hydrogen to meet the energy needs of humanity for hundreds of thousands of years. Moreover, The challenge is now to “it could feed humanity 170,000 identify the exploitable reservations and to understand the geological conditions that have enabled their training.

An abundant gas. Moreover, but still largely unexploited – "it could feed humanity 170,000

Hydrogen is already used in various industrial applications, including the production of ammonia and methanol. However, As a vector of clean energy, it could supply vehicles, heat networks or power plants. However, the majority of hydrogen used today is produced from hydrocarbons, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, Natural hydrogenon the other hand. Consequently, is formed by geochemical reactions between certain rocks and water, without carbon emissions or need for external energy. Therefore, The potential of these natural tanks, long underestimated, is finally recognized thanks to new studies.

The formation of natural hydrogen occurs without human intervention. and gas can remain trapped in the basement for thousands of years. These reservoirs, formerly considered rare, could be more widespread than we thought, if we know where to look “it could feed humanity 170,000 for. This potential abundance could revolutionize the way in which we envisage our energy supply.

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The three key conditions to form a deposit – "it could feed humanity 170,000

According to research by Chris Ballentine. his team, three elements are essential for the formation of a natural hydrogen deposit: a source of production, a reservoir to store gas, and a geological barrier to remember it. The reaction of iron -rich rocks. magnesium with water “it could feed humanity 170,000 is one of the most common geochemical processes to release hydrogen. This reaction occurs continuously in the basement.

Active tectonic structures or significant thermal gradients can help migrate this gas to storage areas. The tank must be porous enough to contain hydrogen. while a layer of coverage, often made up of clays or salts, prevents the gas from escaping. These criteria. already well known in the petroleum and gas industry, can be applied to hydrogen, thus opening up new operating prospects.

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Promising geological regions

Certain geological formations are particularly favorable to the accumulation. of hydrogen. The ophiolitic complexes. the igneous provinces and the old belts of green rocks are all structures potentially rich in this precious gas. In the United States. for example, Kansas attracts attention due to its old rift area rich in basalts, which could house significant hydrogen reserves.

In Albania. a vast reservoir was discovered in an ophiolitic complex, arousing the interest of industrial actors such as Koloma, supported by the Breakthrough Energy Fund from Bill Gates, as well as Hy-Terra and Snowfox, funded by Strong, BP and Rio Tinto. The exploitation of these deposits could play a crucial “it could feed humanity 170,000 role in the global energy transition.

A parameter not to be overlooked: bacteria

The presence of hydrogen in the basement does not always ensure its exploitability. Some bacteria feed on hydrogen, reducing the volumes available for extraction. Barbara Sherwood Lollar. co-author of the study, warns against the environments conducive to the proliferation of these microorganisms, which are not the most promising for prospecting.

Understanding these biological interactions is essential to assess the real potential of natural hydrogen deposits. Researchers must therefore take this factor into account to effectively guide their exploration efforts and maximize the chances of success.

Faced with current energy challenges, natural hydrogen could offer a lasting and ecological solution. The study led by Chris Ballentine offers a precious roadmap for geologists. companies in the sector, allowing them to target the most promising areas for the exploitation of this resource. If uncertainties remain as to the amount of “it could feed humanity 170,000 hydrogen actually extractable, the prospects are encouraging. Could white hydrogen become a pillar of our energy future?

The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.

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