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A large deposit of hydrogen gas hidden beneath the Earth's crust is predicted to contain billions of tons of this clean energy source. Scientists believe that even a tiny percentage of this buried hydrogen might fulfill world energy demand for the next 200 years, thereby lowering reliance on fossil fuels. While the specific locations of these deposits are unknown, preliminary investigations suggest massive volumes, with substantial implications for future energy systems and sustainable development.
Massive Hydrogen Reserves Identified
A recent study published in Science Advances suggests that 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen might be trapped inside rocks and subsurface aquifers. This value much exceeds the total world oil reserves, with hydrogen quantities estimated to be 26 times bigger than remaining crude oil. Despite the immense potential, much of this hydrogen is thought to be in depths or places that are inaccessible or economically unfeasible to extract.
Key Findings from the Study
Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist of the United States Geological Survey (USGS), told space.com that just 2% of these hydrogen stores might provide enough energy to establish global carbon neutrality for around two millennia. Ellis noted that natural hydrogen is created by a variety of geological processes, including the breakdown of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
Unlike hydrogen produced by water electrolysis, which needs renewable or fossil energy sources, natural hydrogen discovered underground is self-generated and stored naturally in reservoirs. This eliminates the need for extra energy-intensive storage devices because the gas may be accessed on demand.
Challenges and Uncertainties in Exploration
Identifying the precise locations of these subsurface hydrogen stores remains a significant difficulty. The research noted that estimates differed greatly, from 1 billion to 10 trillion tons, due to the modeling approach's shortcomings. Efforts are undertaken to improve criteria for determining feasible hydrogen reserves.
If recoverable, natural hydrogen has the potential to change global energy systems, with study into its accessibility expected to continue in the coming years. Scientists are concentrating on narrowing geologic indicators to better locate deposits, with further finds due in 2024.
