Natural, or molecular hydrogen is rapidly gaining traction as a vital part of our future energy mix. Natural hydrogen is produced by geological and biological processes which occur within the Earth's crust.
But unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, natural hydrogen produces only water vapour when burned, making it an ideal solution for a world grappling with the threat of climate change. And unlike petroleum generated from a carbon-based source, hydrogen can be generated continuously over a longer timeframe and a wider temperature range, which means that hydrogen systems can renew and replenish.
This clean-burning fuel has the potential to revolutionise the way we power our homes, cars, and energy-intensive heavy industries and transportation systems such as aviation and shipping, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions drastically reducing our carbon footprint and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
In addition to its environmental benefits, natural hydrogen also holds enormous potential for the global economy. Countries around the world are investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure and technology, with estimates suggesting that the global hydrogen market could be worth up to $2.5 trillion by 2050. This investment is creating new jobs and driving innovation, encouraging companies such as Earth Source Hydrogen to develop new ways to find, produce, store, and distribute hydrogen.
Our respected team of earth scientists has an established track record in geological modelling and subsurface exploration. The team is currently undertaking a comprehensive analysis exercise to identify areas that are prospective for natural hydrogen and their initial findings have been encouraging.
Our study appears to confirm that the underlying tectonic environment and geological history of these areas high grades the probability of discovering commercial quantities of natural hydrogen.
Another advantage of natural hydrogen is that it can be produced locally, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and promoting energy independence. This is particularly important for countries that are heavily reliant on oil and gas imports, as it provides an opportunity to diversify their energy mix and reduce their exposure to geopolitical risks.
Hydrogen production is not without its challenges. Once hydrogen is captured, it must be stored in a compressed or liquefied form, which requires significant energy and specialised equipment. Compressed hydrogen is typically stored in high-pressure tanks, while liquefied hydrogen is stored at very low temperatures (-253°C or -423°F). Both methods require specialised equipment and infrastructure to handle and transport the highly flammable gas.
However, there are several technological solutions that have been developed to help address these challenges and make hydrogen transportation more practical to the point that it can be stored and transported easily.
One of the most common methods for transporting hydrogen is through pipelines and in trucks that are resistant to hydrogen embrittlement and can withstand high pressures. In addition to pipelines and trucks, hydrogen can also be transported successfully by ships or by rail. These modes of transportation are typically used to transport larger volumes of hydrogen over longer distances and require slightly more specialised infrastructure and equipment.
Despite these challenges, the use of natural hydrogen as a source of clean energy is gaining significant global interest, and researchers are actively working to develop new and more efficient ways to capture, store, and transport hydrogen. Technological advancements will make natural hydrogen a more viable source of clean energy in the future.