Scientists are exploring natural hydrogen as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, tapping into geological processes that produce hydrogen deep within the earth. Research has shown that this “natural H₂” is formed through serpentinization, where minerals in rocks react with water, and can be found in areas exposed on land like Oman, New Caledonia, Albania, and Kosovo.
However, extracting hydrogen from these locations is not practical due to its formation at high temperatures. The best bet for large-scale extraction lies deeper underground, over 10 km down, where natural H₂ has been forming for millions of years.
Evidence of deep hydrogen production has been found in the European Alps and the Western Pyrenees, formed by massive geological shifts that brought deep-earth rocks closer to the surface. Scientists are still studying these processes to unlock natural hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Meanwhile, researchers have made breakthroughs in harnessing hidden hydro energy from existing water infrastructure. The H-HOPE project aims to develop technology to tap into this potential, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions and increase energy independence in the EU through innovative hydropower solutions.
Source: https://www.insnet.org/advances-in-white-hydrogen-and-small-waterpower