Researchers have found a promising new source of clean energy in the mountains. A German team used advanced simulations to locate vast reserves of hydrogen gas, which could help us transition away from fossil fuels. The team’s study suggests that geological processes can generate natural hydrogen, and they’ve identified mountain ranges as key locations for large-scale production.
The problem with producing synthetic hydrogen is that it often requires using fossil fuels. However, scientists have found evidence of natural hydrogen generation in mountains such as the Pyrenees, European Alps, and Balkans. The new research suggests that rocks emerging through mountain formations can create significant hydrogen-rich zones, making them viable for drilling and large-scale production.
The researchers used simulations to model plate tectonic processes and found that mountain formation created the best conditions for serpentinisation, a geological process that generates hydrogen gas. They believe that the cold environments of mountain ranges, combined with increased water circulation, could create increased volumes of hydrogen.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential of natural hydrogen, the discovery has significant implications for our transition away from fossil fuels. As one researcher noted, “Now is the time to go further and also investigate migration pathways of hydrogen and deep, hydrogen-consuming microbial ecosystems to better understand where potential H2 reservoirs can actually form.”
Source: https://www.sciencefocus.com/news/hydrogen-gas-mountains