Is natural hydrogen the fuel of the future?, Pg10

• Natural hydrogen is being considered a potential low-cost, clean energy source, occurring geologically as a free gas in rock formations, deep earth cracks, and sedimentary basins.

  • Known as “white” or “gold” hydrogen, it’s untapped due to past perceptions of rarity and extraction difficulty.

  Detailed Insights:

  • How it forms: Naturally produced via serpentinization of iron-rich rocks, radiolysis of water, and organic decay — without needing energy-intensive industrial processes.

  • A major discovery in Mali in 1987 reignited interest when a hydrogen fire was found in a borewell and burned continuously for weeks.

  • India’s prospects: While India lacks mapped reserves, Deccan volcanic regions and Himalayan zones may hold potential. However, no official exploration is underway yet.

  Global Trends:

  • US Geological Survey (2022–2023) identified up to 5.5 trillion tonnes of natural hydrogen, enough to power the world for hundreds of years.

  • Explorations active in US, Canada, Australia, France, Spain, Colombia, South Korea, and Russia.

  • Only 40+ companies globally are actively pursuing extraction, due to early-stage technological and regulatory hurdles.

  Significance:

  • Could offer a non-emissive, naturally renewable alternative to grey, blue, and green hydrogen.

  • Reduces dependency on electrolysis or fossil fuels, potentially transforming the global hydrogen market.

  • India, under its National Green Hydrogen Mission, can benefit by exploring this resource for energy security, import substitution, and climate goals.

Mains Mock Question:

"Discuss the potential of natural hydrogen as a sustainable energy source. What are the key technological and policy challenges India must address to explore and harness it effectively?"