Recent studies indicate that vast naturally occurring hydrogen reserves in mountainous regions could soon facilitate significant advancements in sustainable energy creation.

An international team of geoscientists, spearheaded by Dr. Frank Zwaan at the GFZ Helmholtz Center for Geosciences, has utilized cutting-edge plate tectonic modeling to uncover indications of hydrogen (H₂) production taking place within mountain ranges.

The research identifies specific areas, particularly where deep mantle rocks are exposed to the surface, as prime locations for hydrogen generation, making it a potential asset for future energy solutions. Notable regions with exposed mantle formations include the Pyrenees and the Alps.

Ultimately, Zwaan and his team’s findings shed light on the natural processes involved in hydrogen production, offering a pathway toward renewable energy sources that could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels in the coming years.

Unlocking the Earth’s Natural Hydrogen Resources

Hydrogen is emerging as a promising energy source for various applications, including powering vehicles, generating home electricity, and even serving as fuel for aircraft and rockets.

While hydrogen can be synthetically produced, this method requires substantial energy input and may generate pollutants. On the other hand, natural hydrogen is continuously generated through radioactive decay, bacterial activity, and various chemical reactions within the Earth’s crust.

Among the key mechanisms for large-scale natural hydrogen production is serpentinization, a process involving the reaction between water and mantle rocks that releases H₂ gas.

However, accessing these hydrogen-rich stores can be challenging, as mantle rocks typically lie deep below the Earth’s surface. Fortunately, tectonic activity can drive these rocks upward, making them accessible for serpentinization to occur.

Previously, geoscientists faced difficulties in pinpointing locations where these processes occurred on a scale large enough for hydrogen extraction—until now.

Why Mountainous Regions Hold Promise

In the current study, Zwaan and his colleagues employed plate tectonic simulations to explore mountain formation processes, which are shown to provide more favorable conditions for hydrogen generation compared to rift basins, where continents separate.

In mountainous terrains, mantle rocks that have been thrust upward are exposed to cooler temperatures, which enhances the process of serpentinization. Additionally, water circulation through fault lines optimizes hydrogen production.

Mountain ranges can generate hydrogen at rates up to 20 times greater than rift areas, with porous rock formations like sandstone acting as natural reservoirs for hydrogen accumulation.

A Pivotal Moment for Hydrogen Research

The researchers’ discoveries may revolutionize the search for natural hydrogen and have stimulated interest in exploring geological regions such as the Pyrenees, the European Alps, and the Balkans, which could potentially house these processes.

“Developing innovative exploration techniques will be critical to the success of our efforts,” Zwaan emphasized, noting that understanding how geological history influences the development of hydrogen reservoirs will be crucial.

Furthermore, the timing of geological events plays a significant role; rifting must precede mountain formation for hydrogen reservoirs to come into existence. Zwaan and his team’s simulations may help geoscientists better anticipate where large-scale and economically viable hydrogen deposits are likely to be located.

The Promise of Natural Hydrogen as a Future Energy Source

With a growing global demand for sustainable energy sources, Zwaan and his colleagues understand that natural hydrogen could be instrumental in diminishing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Prof. Sascha Brune, who heads the Geodynamic Modeling section at GFZ, remarked that the latest research “enhances our understanding of optimal environments for natural hydrogen production,” adding that, “this is the perfect time to further investigate the dynamics of hydrogen migration and the formation of viable reservoirs.”

Reflecting on the study, Zwaan is optimistic about its implications for the hydrogen industry and the broader clean energy landscape.

“We might be at a historical turning point,” Zwaan noted, suggesting that the recent findings “could herald the emergence of a new natural hydrogen sector.”

Zwaan and his team’s research, titled “Rift-inversion orogens are potential hot spots for natural H₂ generation,” is published in Science Advances.

Micah Hanks serves as the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. He can be contacted via email at micah@thedebrief.org. For more insights, visit micahhanks.com or connect on X: @MicahHanks.