Natural Hydrogen

Natural Hydrogen : Natural hydrogen, a clean, abundant, and cost-effective energy source, is emerging as a key solution for decarbonizing the future and meeting growing energy demands.

• About Natural Hydrogen: Occurs naturally in geological formations and is produced through processes like serpentinisation (water reacting with iron-rich rocks), radiolysis (water interacting with radioactive elements), and decomposition of deep organic matter.

o Unlike conventional hydrogen derived from natural gas, it offers a cleaner and more sustainable energy alternative.

• Current Reserves and Potential

Untapped Reserves: Natural hydrogen remains largely unexplored but shows immense promise globally and in India.

o India’s Geological Advantage: Unique formations like ultramafic rocks, volcanic-sedimentary belts, and hydrothermal systems offer high natural hydrogen potential.

o Estimated Reserves: India may hold around 3,475 million tonnes of natural hydrogen—enough to significantly reduce manufacturing needs and support decarbonization.

o Global Discoveries: Large reserves found in places like Lorraine, France, suggest long-term global energy potential.

o Rising Global Interest: Over 40 companies (up from 10 in 2020) are exploring natural hydrogen across Australia, the U.S., Spain, and France.

o Lower Extraction Cost: Natural hydrogen is cheaper to extract than green hydrogen, attracting major firms like BP, Rio Tinto, and start-ups like Koloma.

o India’s Strategic Edge: With hydrogen demand projected to rise from 6 Mt/year (2020) to 50+ Mt/year by 2070, tapping natural reserves can cut costs and speed up net-zero targets.