A new study has discovered that mountain ranges may hold vast reserves of natural hydrogen, which could revolutionize the search for clean energy sources. Researchers at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences have found that geological processes in the Pyrenees, Alps, and Himalayas are naturally producing hydrogen in quantities far greater than previously believed.
The discovery centers on a process called serpentinization, where deep mantle rocks interact with water to create new minerals and release hydrogen gas. Unlike previous assumptions, this study highlights mountain ranges as more productive hydrogen reservoirs than rift zones. The findings suggest that mountains provide the ideal conditions for large-scale natural hydrogen generation due to tectonic activity, heat, and water availability.
The study’s lead author, Frank Zwaan, emphasizes the importance of exploring these regions further to confirm whether substantial accumulations of drillable hydrogen exist. If confirmed, this could become a cornerstone of the global transition to cleaner energy sources. The discovery also highlights the potential for a new natural hydrogen industry, which could provide a low-cost, carbon-free energy source.
If successful, this breakthrough could mark a major shift in the global energy landscape, with mountainous regions becoming key sites for hydrogen extraction. This could make hydrogen a viable alternative to fossil fuels in industries such as aviation, steelmaking, and heavy transport.
Source: https://indiandefencereview.com/natural-hydrogen-reserves-found-mountains