From Rocks to Watts: Extracting White Hydrogen as a Clean & Economical Energy Solution
                     From Rocks to Watts: Extracting White Hydrogen as a 
 Clean & Economical Energy Solution
Overview:
Hydrogen has emerged as a major game changer in the quest for a greener and  
more sustainable future. Its potential as a clean and adaptable energy carrier has 
 sparked considerable interest, and organizations from various industries are 
eager  to explore the numerous opportunities it offers. While technology 
developers and  solution providers around the world are currently focusing on 
technological  advances in the green and blue hydrogen production space, IeB 
analysts anticipate  that white/geologic hydrogen production will see rapid and 
significant growth in  the near future. It has various advantages over other forms 
of hydrogen  production techniques, including lower carbon intensity, less water 
usage, lower  energy requirements, and more. As a result, geologic hydrogen 
production has  received a lot of interest recently, with industry leaders and 
governments looking  into the potential opportunities it offers.
History in a nutshell:
Though geologic hydrogen seeps, such as the Flames of Chimaera in Turkey, 
have  been known for centuries, the understanding of hydrogen-rich gas seeps  
developed in the late 19th century when Dmitri Mendeleev, the father of the  
periodic table, discovered hydrogen-rich gas in a coal mine.
In the early 20th century, while exploring oil wells in South Australia, high  
concentrations of hydrogen gas were found. However, these discoveries were  
overlooked as the primary goal was to uncover hydrocarbons. Later, in 1987, a  
water borehole in Mali hit a hydrogen reservoir with a remarkable 98% purity.
Why is Geologic Hydrogen gaining traction?
Fossil fuels are recognized as a key energy source to generate hydrogen due to  
their easy accessibility and simple apparatus requirements. However, their ability  
to cause environmental pollution is a major concern. On the contrary, The earth  
naturally replenishes up to 23 Mt/year or 30% of today’s annual hydrogen 
demand  through oxidation-reduction processes involved in geologic hydrogen 
production.  It has the potential to power electrical grids, run factories, heat 
homes, and propel  vehicles when paired with a fuel cell.
Various hydrogen production methods have been explored, such as coal  
gasification, steam-methane reforming (SMR), water electrolysis, metal oxide  
cycle, methane pyrolysis, etc. But unlike other forms of hydrogen, white/ 
geologic  hydrogen—sometimes called native, gold, or natural hydrogen—is 
considered  significantly cost-effective and is sourced through and produced via 
diversified  approaches. Six different ways through which hydrogen is produced 
naturally are  briefly explained:
1. Radiolysis
Radioactive elements, such as uranium, thorium, or potassium, in the crystalline 
 basement rocks in the Earth’s crust decompose water molecules trapped in
causing a hydrogen pocket, as in South Australia.
2. Serpentinization
Serpentinization involves liberating hydrogen-rich fluid due to the weathering of 
 mineral olivine in mid-ocean ridges or ophiolites. In this geological formation,
sections of the Earth’s mantle rise above sea level. This has been witnessed in 
 the Semail ophiolite in the Hajar Mountains of Oman.
3. Deep degassing
Deep degassing involves the escaping of “primary” hydrogen (a single hydrogen 
 atom attached to a single carbon atom) from deep within the Earth’s crust,
situated in Nebraska, US
4. Iron reduction and sulfur oxidation
In this phenomenon, ferric iron in a black smoker (a subsea hydrothermal vent 
 formed from iron sulfide deposits) is reduced to ferrous iron and hydrogen
sulfides.
5. Thermal decomposition of organic matter
In the deep-sea thermal decomposition process, ammonium compounds in deep 
 sediments decompose under high temperatures to form hydrogen and nitrogen. 
 For example, in hydrogen-nitrogen gas seeps in Oman
6. Biological activity
Specific microbial species inhabiting the Earth’s crust produce hydrogen. These 
 microorganisms are found via sediment or aquifers. This has been observed in 
 the Powder River Basin coal beds in Montana, US.
Comparative assessment of different types of hydrogen:
Comparative assessment of white, grey, blue, green, and yellow hydrogen is 
being  conducted in terms of environmental impact, external energy & water 
inputs, and  surface disruption. White hydrogen is considered the most 
economical and  relatively cleaner option. Each form has merits and challenges, 
with white and  green hydrogen being the most environmentally friendly. Grey 
and blue hydrogen  incorporate carbon capture to reduce their carbon footprint. 
Also, yellow hydrogen  production raises safety and waste disposal concerns 
associated with nuclear  energy.
Conclusion:
IEBS experts are well-versed in comprehending the broad range of  
decarbonization techniques, renewable energy technology, and innovative  
solutions contributing to a greener and more resilient future. We are committed  
to offering meaningful insights and help to organizations and individuals on their  
journey towards a low-carbon and sustainable society, with a strong emphasis on 
 research, analysis, and staying current on the newest developments. Whether 
it's  navigating policy changes, implementing clean energy solutions, or adopting  
carbon reduction measures, we stand ready to be your trusted partner in 
achieving  a successful decarbonization strategy.
Do you want to know how geologic hydrogen could serve as a promising  
alternative to green hydrogen, which is likely to be adopted across various 
industry  segments, and how IEBS can help you identify new play areas in this 
space that  may synergize with your existing technological know-how, products, 
and services,  thereby positively impacting your revenue?
Reach out to our industry experts by emailing them at [email protected].