Trillions of Tons of Underground Hydrogen Could Sustain Earth’s Energy Needs for Over 1,000 Years: Study Estimates 6.2 Trillion Tons Beneath the Surface

As the holiday season approaches, the energy industry is buzzing with excitement about an unexpected gift: the discovery of massive white hydrogen deposits beneath the surface of the Earth. Could this natural, clean energy source be the game-changer we’ve all been waiting for? And more importantly, could 2024 be the year we unwrap its potential?

A groundbreaking study led by Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), reveals that Earth’s underground reserves may hold as much as 6.2 trillion tons (5.6 trillion metric tons) of hydrogen gas. This enormous quantity of geologic hydrogen, formed through natural geochemical processes, could significantly reduce humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels.

A Game-Changing Resource for a Sustainable Future

According to the study, even a small fraction of this immense resource could meet the world’s energy needs for nearly two centuries, presenting a potential game-changer in the shift toward low-carbon energy solutions. Although geologic hydrogen has only been discovered in select locations like Albania, France and Mali, researchers suggest that such reserves could exist across the globe.

Global Distribution with Limitations

While much of this hydrogen is likely located too deep underground or far offshore to be economically viable, the scale of the resource is still promising. Even with these constraints, researchers believe there is more than enough accessible hydrogen to support global energy demands.

Geologic hydrogen could serve as a critical low-carbon energy source, but the full extent of Earth’s subsurface hydrogen reserves remains uncertain. The study utilized a mass balance model, integrating geologic data and knowledge of natural hydrogen behavior, to estimate the global resource potential.

Hydrogen Reserves: Abundance with Challenges

The research, published in Science Advances, estimates a potential hydrogen resource ranging from 103 to 1010 million metric tons (Mt), with a most probable value of ~5.6 × 106 Mt. While the majority of this hydrogen may be impractical to extract, recovering just 2% of the resource (~1 × 105 Mt) could supply enough hydrogen to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for approximately 200 years.

This quantity of hydrogen represents an energy potential of ~1.4 × 1016 megajoules (MJ), surpassing the energy contained in all proven natural gas reserves (~8.4 × 1015 MJ).

Hydrogen’s Potential in Perspective

To put the resource in perspective, the estimated hydrogen reserves weigh as much as 3.7 million cars or 1.56 billion flamingos. Despite current limitations, these results suggest a transformative potential for geologic hydrogen in driving the global transition to renewable energy.

What is White Hydrogen?

This natural occurrence offers a unique opportunity for the energy industry: a clean, renewable hydrogen source that doesn’t rely on energy-intensive production methods. Extracting white hydrogen could not only reduce carbon emissions but also position it as a key player in the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

White hydrogen, also known as natural or native hydrogen, is molecular hydrogen (H₂) that occurs naturally in the Earth’s subsurface. Unlike green hydrogen, which is produced via electrolysis using renewable energy, or grey hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas, white hydrogen requires no human intervention for production. It is formed through geological processes like serpentinization—a reaction between water and certain minerals—and is continuously replenished by the Earth’s natural activity.

Model Predictions of Global Geologic Hydrogen Resources

Recent discoveries and modeling studies have brought white hydrogen into sharper focus. A stochastic model predicts a wide range of values for potential in-place hydrogen resources, ranging from 103 to 1010 million metric tons (Mt). The most probable estimate from these predictions is approximately 5.6 × 106 Mt. While a significant portion of this hydrogen may be impractical to recover, even a small fraction, such as 1 × 105 Mt, could meet global hydrogen demands to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for approximately 200 years.

The energy content of this recoverable hydrogen is staggering, amounting to roughly 1.4 × 1016 megajoules (MJ). This surpasses the energy contained in all proven natural gas reserves globally, which stands at around 8.4 × 1015 MJ. These findings highlight the transformative potential of white hydrogen as a long-term energy solution (Science.org article).

Hydrogen Generation or Flux from Deep Sources:

• At the base of the diagram, the large purple section represents the natural generation or flux of hydrogen from deep geological sources. These sources include abiotic processes such as serpentinization (a reaction between water and certain rock minerals) and radiolysis (splitting of water molecules by natural radiation).

Primarily Abiotic Consumption:

• As hydrogen moves upward, a portion of it interacts with geological formations and chemical reactions that consume hydrogen. This is labeled as “Primarily abiotic consumption” and refers to non-biological processes such as oxidation and mineral reactions that can absorb or transform the hydrogen before it continues to rise.

Primarily Biotic Consumption:

• Higher in the subsurface, another portion of the hydrogen is consumed by biological activity, particularly microbes that utilize hydrogen as a source of energy. This is labeled as “Primarily biotic consumption” and is a key process that naturally reduces the amount of hydrogen reaching the surface.

Hydrogen Trapped in Reservoirs:

• Some of the hydrogen becomes trapped in subsurface reservoirs, as depicted by the light blue region labeled “Hydrogen trapped in reservoirs.” These reservoirs are sealed by impermeable geological layers (e.g., a “Seal”), preventing the hydrogen from escaping. Trapped hydrogen could represent a potentially recoverable resource for energy use.

Local Consumption within Reservoirs:

• Even within these reservoirs, hydrogen is subject to local consumption processes, which may include biotic (microbial) and abiotic reactions. This is indicated by the green text box within the blue reservoir area.

Hydrogen Flux to the Atmosphere:

• Not all hydrogen remains trapped or consumed. Some hydrogen escapes from the subsurface and reaches the atmosphere, represented by the grey box at the top labeled “Hydrogen flux to the atmosphere.” This flux contributes to the natural atmospheric hydrogen cycle.

Consumption Along the Pathway:

• As hydrogen rises through geological layers, it encounters various consumption zones. These are labeled “Consumption” and are shown at multiple points in the pathway, indicating that both abiotic and biotic factors reduce the available hydrogen as it travels upward.

Seal:

• The “Seal” is a critical feature in the model. It is a layer of impermeable rock or material that prevents hydrogen from escaping upward and allows it to accumulate in reservoirs. Without such a seal, hydrogen would continue to migrate and potentially be lost to the atmosphere.

Hydrogen Goldmine: Unlocking France’s Lorraine Region Potential

France’s Lorraine region has emerged as a hotspot for white hydrogen exploration, marking it as one of the most promising areas for naturally occurring hydrogen resources. Here’s what we know about the discoveries in this region.

1. Significance of the Lorraine Region

• The Lorraine region, located in northeastern France, has long been known for its geological richness, particularly in coal, iron ore, and other natural resources.
• Recent studies have highlighted that this region also holds significant quantities of naturally occurring hydrogen (often referred to as white or native hydrogen), making it a potential game-changer in Europe’s hydrogen energy ambitions.

2. Estimated Resource Potential

• Research and exploration efforts in the Lorraine region have estimated that the area could contain up to 46 million tons of natural hydrogen.
• To put this in perspective, this amount of hydrogen could supply energy for various industrial and energy applications for decades, highlighting its potential as a critical resource in Europe’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions.

3. Geological Context

• The Lorraine region’s hydrogen is thought to originate from geological processes such as:
  • Serpentinization: A chemical reaction between water and ultramafic rocks, which releases hydrogen gas.
  • Radiolysis: The splitting of water molecules by natural radiation from the Earth’s crust, producing hydrogen.
• These processes are enhanced by the region’s specific geological formations, which include deep basins that act as reservoirs for trapping hydrogen.

4. Advantages of the Lorraine Deposits

• Abundance: The potential hydrogen reserves in Lorraine are among the largest known in Europe, offering a strategic advantage to France in the hydrogen economy.
• Accessibility: The geology of the Lorraine region, combined with its existing infrastructure from previous mining activities, could make exploration and extraction easier compared to other regions.
• Renewability: Unlike fossil fuels, the natural processes generating hydrogen in Lorraine may replenish over time, making it a potentially sustainable resource.

5. Strategic Implications for France

• France is positioning itself as a leader in hydrogen technology and production, with the Lorraine region playing a key role in these efforts.
• The hydrogen resources in Lorraine could help France:
  • Achieve its national goals for renewable energy production.
  • Reduce its reliance on imported energy resources.
  • Establish itself as a hydrogen export hub within Europe.

6. Economic and Energy Potential

• The natural hydrogen in Lorraine could power sectors such as:
  • Green steel manufacturing: Using hydrogen as a reducing agent instead of coal.
  • Transportation: Hydrogen as a clean fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and trains.
  • Energy storage: Hydrogen could be used to store renewable energy from sources like solar and wind.
• France has also been exploring partnerships with companies and research institutions to further map and assess the viability of these deposits.

7. Ongoing Research and Development

• French research organizations and universities are actively studying the Lorraine hydrogen deposits to better understand:
  • The replenishment rates of the natural hydrogen.
  • The feasibility of large-scale extraction without significant environmental impact.
  • The economic costs compared to producing green hydrogen from electrolysis.
• Companies such as TotalEnergies and Air Liquide have also expressed interest in natural hydrogen as part of their long-term strategies, and Lorraine’s deposits are being closely monitored.

8. Environmental Concerns

• While the deposits hold great promise, researchers and policymakers are keenly aware of the need to balance extraction with environmental preservation. Potential impacts on local ecosystems and underground water systems are being studied carefully.

The Lorraine region of France represents one of the most exciting developments in the search for naturally occurring hydrogen. With its massive resource potential, favorable geology, and strategic location in Europe, Lorraine could play a pivotal role in advancing the hydrogen economy not just for France but for the entire continent. However, careful planning and sustainable practices will be critical to unlocking its full potential.

What makes this discovery even more exciting is the potential for continuous replenishment. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite, white hydrogen deposits could act as a sustainable and long-term energy solution. As Europe pushes to meet its ambitious climate goals, white hydrogen may offer the perfect combination of scalability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental friendliness.

Most White Geologic Hydrogen sittings and what the future hold for generation to come

1. Hydrogen Resource Potential by Country

Fig. 2. This bar chart compares the estimated white hydrogen reserves in key countries. France leads with 46 million tons, followed by the USA, Australia, Germany, and Russia.

2. Energy Content Comparison

Resource Type	Energy Content (MJ)
White Hydrogen	1.4 × 1016
Proven Natural Gas	8.4 × 1015

This table highlights the significant energy advantage of recoverable white hydrogen compared to proven natural gas reserves.

What the Future Holds

The growing interest in white hydrogen hints at an optimistic energy future. Here’s why the next generation may not need to worry about energy security:

Unlike fossil fuels, white hydrogen resources have the potential to replenish naturally over time through geological processes like serpentinization and radiolysis. This makes white hydrogen not just a transitional resource but a sustainable energy source for future generations.

Countries are beginning to share data and technology to better map and extract white hydrogen. This global collaboration will likely accelerate the pace of innovation and make hydrogen-based energy more accessible.

White hydrogen will not replace other energy sources like solar and wind but will complement them. It offers a reliable backup for times when renewable sources are less effective (e.g., during low wind or sunlight periods). Its energy density and storage potential make it a key player in stabilizing future energy grids.

Technologies like advanced gas sensors, efficient extraction methods, and robust storage solutions are rapidly evolving. These advancements will make white hydrogen extraction safer, more efficient, and cost-effective, reducing the barriers to widespread adoption.

White hydrogen holds significant potential for decarbonizing industries like steel, transportation, and chemical production. By integrating hydrogen into these sectors, we can dramatically reduce global carbon emissions, ensuring a cleaner planet for future generations.

Should the Next Generation Worry About Energy?

Insights from the Graph

1. Exponential Growth Potential:
   • The black curve (modeled anthropogenic production) indicates that hydrogen production could grow at an exponential rate, surpassing the trends seen in both natural gas and shale gas production.
2. Comparative Growth Rates:
   • Historical data from global natural gas and U.S. shale gas suggest that hydrogen production could reach similar scales within decades, provided the right investments and technological advancements are made.
   • The slower growth of the blue curve (1/2 projected blue H₂) reflects the challenges of scaling blue hydrogen due to reliance on CCS and existing fossil fuel infrastructure.
3. Benchmarks for Policy and Industry:
   • The IEA projections (yellow squares) serve as important benchmarks. If industries and governments align their efforts, these targets can be met or exceeded, as suggested by the black curve.
4. Long-Term Trends:
   • The graph extends into the 22nd century, highlighting that hydrogen production could become a dominant energy source for centuries to come. This aligns with global efforts to transition to renewable and low-carbon energy systems.

While energy security has been a critical concern for decades, the discoveries of white hydrogen and advancements in renewable technologies suggest a promising future:

• Energy Abundance: The combination of renewable energy sources and natural hydrogen reserves could meet global energy demands sustainably.
• Environmental Sustainability: White hydrogen extraction, if done responsibly, will have a minimal environmental footprint, ensuring that future generations inherit a livable planet.
• Technological Innovations: The next generation will benefit from cutting-edge technologies that enhance energy production, storage, and distribution.

That said, challenges like regulatory frameworks, infrastructure investment, and equitable access to hydrogen energy still need to be addressed. As long as these hurdles are managed proactively, the next generation will likely experience an era of energy abundance and sustainability.

The Dangers of Extracting Hydrogen from the Ground

While white hydrogen offers many exciting opportunities, extracting it from the ground comes with significant safety concerns that must be addressed. One of the primary risks involves the potential for hydrogen leaks during drilling or extraction. Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, and even small leaks could lead to explosions or fires if not properly managed.

Another challenge is the interaction of hydrogen with surrounding geological formations. Hydrogen embrittlement, where hydrogen weakens metal structures, poses a risk to the integrity of pipelines, storage tanks, and extraction equipment. Ensuring that all infrastructure is designed to withstand these conditions is critical to safe operations.

Additionally, the extraction process could disturb underground ecosystems, potentially leading to unintended environmental consequences. Continuous monitoring and risk assessment will be essential to minimize the ecological impact of hydrogen production.

At Fast Sense, we are developing advanced gas sensing technologies that can detect even the smallest leaks of hydrogen in real-time. These innovations are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient extraction of white hydrogen and reducing risks associated with its production.

What Are Companies Saying About White Hydrogen?

Several large companies have started discussing the potential of white hydrogen:

• Thierry Lepercq, hydrogen innovation lead at TotalEnergies, commented, “White hydrogen has emerged as a promising addition to our energy portfolio. Its natural abundance and low extraction emissions could revolutionize the H₂ market.”
• Céline Gauthier, project manager at Air Liquide’s hydrogen innovation team, added, “Leveraging natural hydrogen resources could greatly enhance the diversity and scalability of clean energy systems.”
• Mark Walton, BP’s senior hydrogen systems engineer, remarked, “Natural hydrogen is an exciting development. Its integration into existing frameworks offers a unique opportunity to scale low-carbon energy.”

These voices from within the industry underscore the growing recognition of white hydrogen as a viable and sustainable energy source.

The Role of Technology

At Fast Sense, we’re particularly excited about the role technology will play in harnessing this resource. Advanced gas sensing technologies, like those we specialize in, will be critical for identifying, quantifying, and safely extracting white hydrogen. Our nano-sized chemical resistive sensors, designed for multi-gas analysis, could be game-changers in monitoring the composition and purity of extracted hydrogen.

Moreover, white hydrogen could pave the way for new sensor applications in industries ranging from green steel manufacturing to hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines. Its integration into existing infrastructure will require robust detection and monitoring solutions to ensure safety and efficiency—a challenge we are ready to meet head-on. Learn more about our advancements in sensor design on our sensors page.

Challenges Ahead

Despite its promise, white hydrogen is not without challenges. Extraction methods are still in their infancy, and the economic feasibility of large-scale operations remains unproven. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and industry standards for natural hydrogen extraction need to be developed to ensure safe and sustainable practices.

Another key hurdle is public perception and awareness. While green hydrogen has dominated headlines, white hydrogen’s potential is still relatively unknown outside of niche energy circles. As an industry, we must work together to educate stakeholders, investors, and policymakers about its benefits and possibilities. For the latest updates and industry insights, visit our Fast Sense blog.

A White Hydrogen Christmas?

So, will this be a white hydrogen Christmas? While we may not see immediate commercial applications under the tree this year, the discovery of these deposits marks a pivotal moment for the energy industry. It’s a reminder that innovation often comes from unexpected places—and that nature itself may hold the key to our clean energy future.

At Fast Sense, we’re proud to be part of this exciting journey. As we continue to develop cutting-edge sensing technology, we’re looking forward to a 2024 filled with breakthroughs, collaborations, and opportunities to make white hydrogen a reality.

Here’s to a cleaner, greener holiday season and a new year filled with possibilities. From all of us at Fast Sense, happy holidays—and may your days be merry, bright, and powered by hydrogen!