Understanding Natural Hydrogen and Its Global Energy Potential
Source：Hydrogen Fuel News
March 8, 2025 0 By ANGELA LINDERS
Discovering Natural Hydrogen in France
On May 15, 2023, researchers from France announced the discovery of a massive natural hydrogen reserve in the Moselle region’s Lorraine mining basin. This deposit, estimated at 46 million tons, has drawn attention as one of the world’s most significant finds of “white hydrogen” to date. Buried deep underground at depths of 1,093 to potentially 3,000 meters, the deposit is part of the Carboniferous aquifer and demonstrates substantial concentrations of naturally occurring hydrogen.
This discovery is not just about France; it represents a possible game-changer for the clean energy landscape. White hydrogen offers a naturally occurring, carbon-free energy source waiting to be extracted, unlike green or gray hydrogen, which require energy-intensive production methods. Exploration of white hydrogen worldwide could reveal more untapped potential and redefine sustainable energy systems.
Natural Hydrogen Around the World
While France’s discovery is groundbreaking, it is part of a broader exploration of natural hydrogen reserves globally. For example, Mali has been extracting white hydrogen since 1987, with a site in Bourakébougou becoming a model for sustainable usage. Research has also identified potential reserves in Australia, Eastern Europe, and parts of the United States, particularly in areas with ancient rock formations or tectonic activity.
The discovery in Lorraine adds critical data to the growing understanding of how hydrogen naturally forms in the Earth’s crust. These findings have encouraged geologists to expand surveys in regions where similar reserves might exist, signaling a new era for clean energy exploration.
Timeline of Natural Hydrogen Discoveries
1930s – South Australia
During oil exploration in Adelaide, drillers encountered vast amounts of high-purity hydrogen. At the time, this naturally occurring hydrogen was dismissed as a useless byproduct of oil drilling. No efforts were made to capture or utilize it.
1987 – Bourakébougou, Mali
A worker in the village of Bourakébougou accidentally discovered natural hydrogen when a water well ignited as he lit a cigarette nearby. This led to the realization that the well was emitting hydrogen gas. A local entrepreneur capitalized on this discovery, and the site became the world’s first economically viable hydrogen well. The hydrogen extracted from this well has since been used to generate electricity for the village.
2008 – Russia
A significant natural hydrogen deposit was identified in Russia, suggesting that geological environments could host extractable hydrogen reserves. This discovery spurred further interest in exploring hydrogen-rich geological formations.
2023 – Lorraine, France
On May 15, 2023, researchers from the Geo-Resources laboratory and CNRS announced the discovery of a massive natural hydrogen deposit in the Lorraine mining basin, Moselle region. Estimated at 46 million tons, this deposit is one of the largest known reserves of white hydrogen. The hydrogen was found at depths ranging from 1,093 meters to potentially 3,000 meters, with concentrations as high as 98% in deeper layers. This discovery has positioned France as a leader in the exploration of natural hydrogen.
2024 – South Australia
Gold Hydrogen, an Australian company, reported the discovery of natural hydrogen with a purity of up to 95.8% at drill sites in South Australia. This find also included helium, a valuable byproduct. The company described the reserves as “enormous,” further solidifying South Australia’s role in the global hydrogen landscape.
2024 – Rukwa, Tanzania
A natural deposit of hydrogen and helium was discovered in the Rukwa region of Tanzania. This find has added to the growing list of African countries with significant hydrogen reserves, following Mali’s earlier success.
2024 – Bulqizë, Albania
Another major hydrogen deposit was identified in Bulqizë, Albania. This discovery highlights the potential for further exploration in Europe, particularly in regions with favorable geological conditions.
Global Context and Future Potential
Natural hydrogen, also known as white or gold hydrogen, is increasingly recognized as a clean and sustainable energy source. It forms through natural processes such as serpentinization (a reaction between water and ultramafic rocks), radiolysis (natural electrolysis), and the decomposition of organic matter. These processes occur in specific geological settings, such as ancient rock formations, tectonic fault lines, and areas with volcanic activity.
Key Locations with Potential
- United States: The Midcontinent Rift System is being explored for its potential to host hydrogen-rich rocks. This region could also support carbon-negative hydrogen production by combining hydrogen extraction with carbon sequestration.
- Africa: Beyond Mali and Tanzania, other regions with similar geological features are being surveyed for hydrogen reserves.
- Europe: France’s discovery has spurred interest in other parts of the continent, including the Alps and Pyrenees, which are believed to have suitable geological conditions.
- Australia: With its history of hydrogen discoveries, Australia remains a key player in the exploration and development of natural hydrogen.
Why These Discoveries Matter
Natural hydrogen offers a carbon-free energy source that requires minimal processing compared to green or gray hydrogen. It eliminates the need for energy-intensive electrolysis or fossil fuel-based production, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. With an estimated 5 trillion tons of natural hydrogen reserves globally, even a small fraction of this resource could meet humanity’s energy needs for centuries
This timeline underscores the growing importance of natural hydrogen as a clean energy source and highlights the global efforts to explore and utilize this resource. Let me know if you’d like further details or additional insights!
How Natural Hydrogen Is Extracted
Extracting white hydrogen is somewhat similar to methods used for gas and oil. Wells are drilled into the ground to access underground reservoirs where hydrogen has accumulated. The process requires specialized equipment designed for deep drilling, such as rotary drilling rigs capable of penetrating thousands of meters below the surface.
Once the hydrogen is reached, sensors gauge its concentration and purity levels. The gas is then piped to the surface and stored in secure facilities. To safely transport hydrogen at scale, pipelines specifically designed to handle its small molecular size are needed, as hydrogen can permeate materials used for conventional pipelines.
While promising, the extraction process requires careful planning to ensure sustainability. Over-extraction risks depleting the resource too quickly, and leaks can pose safety challenges due to hydrogen’s highly flammable nature. Developing technologies to safely monitor and manage these systems is critical to successful implementation.
Equipment Required for Hydrogen Extraction
The extraction process entails advanced machinery and technology. Key equipment includes:
- Rotary Drilling Rigs: These machines dig into the Earth’s crust to access hydrogen-rich rock layers.
- Reservoir Sensors: Devices monitor hydrogen concentrations in real time, ensuring effective extraction.
- Gas Separation Units: Systems that isolate hydrogen from other gases for collection and use.
- Hydrogen Transport Pipelines: Specialized pipelines or tanker systems ensure the safe and efficient movement of hydrogen from extraction sites to storage or application facilities.
Investing in robust tools and infrastructure is vital to scaling up hydrogen extraction sustainably.
The Benefits and Challenges of White Hydrogen
Benefits:
- Carbon-Free Energy: White hydrogen is a naturally occurring, emission-free energy source.
- Cost-Effective Supply: Unlike green hydrogen, there’s no need for renewable electricity to produce it. Its availability in natural reservoirs reduces production costs.
- Support for Energy Transitions: This resource provides an alternative to gray hydrogen, enabling industries to decarbonize without significant investments in energy infrastructure.
Challenges:
- Finite Resources: Deposits are not infinite, and poorly managed extraction could lead to premature depletion.
- Safety Concerns: Hydrogen’s flammability requires meticulous safety measures during extraction, storage, and transport.
- Geological Uncertainty: Mapping and confirming deposits involve complex geological studies that can be both time- and resource-intensive.
Balancing the benefits with effective solutions to these challenges is crucial for tapping into white hydrogen’s potential while ensuring safety and long-term availability.
Where Future Discoveries Might Occur
France’s findings have spurred interest in locating white hydrogen deposits in other parts of the world. Candidates for exploration include regions with specific geological characteristics, such as ancient rock systems, active fault lines, or areas where serpentinization (a chemical process that releases hydrogen) is active.
Africa, particularly Mali, continues to yield promising results. Australia is exploring possible reserves in areas with volcanic activity, while parts of North America are being examined for their potential hydrogen-rich geological structures. Expanding exploration techniques and investment in global surveys could uncover additional reserves, providing a pivotal move toward cleaner energy systems.
Applying White Hydrogen Technology Today
The transition to a hydrogen-based energy system won’t happen overnight, but white hydrogen offers a unique opportunity to scale up its use immediately. Adapting existing technologies from the oil and gas industries allows for a relatively quick pivot to hydrogen extraction. Pilot projects can help develop best practices and refine engineering solutions for efficient resource management.
White hydrogen also serves as an essential backup for renewable energy systems. It can store excess energy from solar and wind power and release it when demand exceeds supply. Industries like transportation could also benefit by adopting hydrogen fuel cells, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Transforming the Energy Landscape
Natural hydrogen is one of the most exciting prospects in the clean energy space, offering an abundant, low-cost, and emission-free energy source. The discovery in Lorraine exemplifies what could be possible with continued investment and research into this resource. By integrating white hydrogen as part of a broader energy strategy, we can take meaningful steps toward decarbonizing the global economy.
Harnessing this resource, however, depends on balancing its immediate benefits with proactive, sustainable practices. Governments, industries, and researchers must collaborate to create a path that maximizes hydrogen’s potential while safeguarding its longevity. With the right approach, white hydrogen could play a critical role in shaping a cleaner, greener future.