Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the Universe, is often touted as the energy carrier of the future. Its combustion releases only water, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels, which are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. However, large-scale hydrogen production remains a challenge. Most current methods are expensive and/or still rely on fossil fuels.
A hypothetical hydrogen extraction plant in a mountain range
A promising new study reveals that significant reserves of natural hydrogen could be hidden in mountain ranges, paving the way for a clean and abundant energy source that offers hope for future generations.
The formation process of natural hydrogen
Natural hydrogen is primarily formed through a geological process called "serpentinization." This phenomenon occurs when rocks from the Earth's mantle, rich in iron and known as peridotites, come into contact with water. This chemical reaction leads to the formation of serpentine, a mineral, and releases hydrogen gas. This process can occur in various geological contexts, but mountain ranges offer particularly favorable conditions.
Indeed, mountains are born from the collision of tectonic plates. These are dynamic zones where mantle rocks are brought closer to the surface. Tectonic movements, by compressing and uplifting the terrain, allow peridotites to approach the surface, where they can interact with water. Additionally, the numerous faults and fractures present in mountains facilitate water circulation, which is essential for the serpentinization process. These characteristics make mountain ranges privileged locations for the formation of natural hydrogen.
Modeling:
(A) After 5 million years of rifting.
(B) End of the simulation (t = 54.5 million years).
(C) Analysis of serpentinization and H₂ generation in rifts and inverted orogenies. Serpentinization is visualized between 200° and 350°C, where it is effective along major active faults. It is important to distinguish natural hydrogen, sometimes called "white hydrogen," from other types of hydrogen. Grey hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels (its production therefore generates greenhouse gas emissions). Green hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced from renewable energy, making it a clean energy source. Natural hydrogen, if exploited sustainably, could constitute an interesting alternative to fossil fuels, while being less costly and less polluting than green hydrogen.
Considerable energy potential
Mountain ranges, with their significant quantities of mantle rocks, suggest considerable potential for natural hydrogen production. These reserves, potentially substantial, could be more easily accessible than those located in ocean basins, where extraction is more complex and costly. However, it is important to note that accurately assessing these reserves and their real potential requires further research and exploration.
Several exploration projects are already underway in mountain ranges such as the Pyrenees, the Alps, or the Balkans, where signs of natural hydrogen production have been detected. These projects aim to identify and characterize potential deposits, as well as develop efficient and environmentally friendly extraction techniques. The discovery of exploitable deposits could mark a major step toward a sustainable energy transition, offering a clean and abundant energy source.
Although promising, the exploitation of natural hydrogen still faces challenges. It is necessary to develop effective exploration techniques to locate deposits, often situated at great depths and in complex geological environments. Moreover, extraction methods must be optimized to ensure profitable and sustainable production while minimizing environmental impact.
Finally, the commercialization of natural hydrogen will require the establishment of suitable storage and transport infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, the potential of this clean and abundant energy resource justifies the ongoing research and development efforts.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND