A recent study has uncovered that mountainous regions may be home to substantial deposits of natural hydrogen, presenting a significant opportunity in the quest for sustainable and clean energy alternatives. Researchers from the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences have discovered that geological processes occurring deep within the Pyrenees, Alps, and certain areas of the Himalayas could be naturally generating hydrogen in amounts far exceeding previous estimates. If extracted effectively, this type of hydrogen, referred to as “white hydrogen,” could transform the energy sector by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and dramatically cutting carbon emissions.

The core of this discovery involves a natural phenomenon known as serpentinization, where deep mantle rocks interact with water, resulting in new mineral formations and the release of hydrogen gas. Contrary to earlier beliefs that hydrogen sources were mostly found in rift zones—locations where continents separate—this research highlights mountain ranges as much more prolific hydrogen reservoirs, capable of producing up to 20 times more hydrogen annually compared to rift basins.

The Role of Mountains in Hydrogen Energy Production

The findings, shared in a recent publication in Science Advances, propose that mountains create optimal conditions for large-scale natural hydrogen production, thanks to a blend of tectonic movements, heat, and accessible water. Using plate tectonic modeling, researchers identified specific areas where deep mantle rocks are pushed nearer to the surface, facilitating hydrogen’s accumulation in underground reservoirs. The results suggest that mountain ecosystems offer a much greater potential for hydrogen output than once thought, making them essential targets for future energy research.

Sascha Brune, head of the Geodynamic Modelling Section at GFZ, underscored the significance of these findings for the future of natural hydrogen studies:

“This new research enhances our understanding of suitable environments for natural hydrogen generation.”

In contrast to traditional methods of hydrogen production, which typically depend on fossil fuels and are associated with high carbon dioxide emissions, accessing these naturally occurring hydrogen deposits could present an efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative. Should exploration confirm the presence of significant quantities of drillable hydrogen, this discovery could become pivotal in the shift towards cleaner energy solutions.

The Future Prospects of Natural Hydrogen Exploration

Researchers are advocating for greater exploration initiatives in mountainous regions to validate whether these hydrogen reserves can be found in economically exploitable volumes. Initial exploration efforts are already being conducted in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Balkans, where early indications of natural hydrogen accumulation have surfaced.

Frank Zwaan, the study’s lead author, noted that achieving success in this domain will require innovative exploration techniques to pinpoint the areas most likely to harbor hydrogen-rich reservoirs. He emphasized the necessity of grasping the tectonic history of each site to identify the best drilling locations:

“The development of novel concepts and exploration strategies will be crucial for success. Understanding how the tectonic history affects the formation of commercially viable natural H₂ accumulations will be particularly important.”

Unlike fossil fuels, which require millions of years to form, hydrogen produced through serpentinization is generated through a continuous process, indicating that these reserves could replenish naturally over time. This has prompted experts to envision the emergence of a new natural hydrogen industry, which holds the potential to revolutionize the global energy market.

Zwaan concluded by emphasizing the critical nature of this discovery for the future of clean energy:

“Overall, we may be at a turning point for natural H₂ exploration, witnessing the dawn of a new natural hydrogen industry.”

If validated, these findings could signify a major transformation in the global energy framework, with mountainous regions emerging as key areas for hydrogen extraction. This advancement could offer a cost-effective, zero-emission energy source, making hydrogen a viable substitute for fossil fuels across various sectors, including aviation, steel production, and heavy transportation.