Recent scientific discoveries have revealed the existence of enormous reserves of hydrogen hidden beneath the Earth's crust., capable, in theory, of providing energy to humanity for tens of thousands of years. This discovery opens a new window for the search for clean and alternative energy sources in a context of transition toward less polluting models.
A multidisciplinary team of experts from universities in the UK and Canada has published an extensive analysis in the journal Nature. In this work, they propose a methodology to identify where these underground hydrogen deposits may be found. The scientists assert that some of this gas remains unaltered, trapped in the Earth's crust, and explain the conditions that make both its generation and storage possible.
How hydrogen is formed underground
The study points out that for hydrogen to be produced naturally and accumulate in the subsoil it is necessary a specific set of geological factorsAmong them, the following stand out: iron-rich rocks —such as peridotite or basalt—that produce hydrogen through chemical reactions with water. They have also identified the presence of rocks with high levels of radioactive elements (such as uranium or thorium), capable of generating hydrogen through the process of radiolysis.
Interaction with groundwater is equally essential, since facilitates chemical reactions necessary for the production of hydrogen over long periods. In addition, The existence of migration pathways—fractures or faults—allows gas to move and accumulate in underground pockets called reservoirs. To retain hydrogen and prevent it from escaping or being consumed by microorganisms, impermeable geological traps, such as layers of salt or clay, are required.
Lastly, conditions of geological stability and low microbial activity They are essential for preserving hydrogen stored over millions of years. The research team points out that many of these "ingredients" coexist in common formations spread across the planet, such as ophiolitic complexes or ancient granite belts, which are emerging as promising environments for future exploration.
A potentially inexhaustible energy source
If we add up all the hydrogen generated and stored naturally in the continental crust over the last billion yearsThe authors of the study estimate that the theoretical amount would be sufficient to supply the planet with energy for about 170.000 years. However, they warn that This corresponds to the total generative potential, not a fully usable reserve from the first moment.
The reality is that some of this hydrogen has already been lost, consumed by microorganisms, or is located in locations inaccessible with current technology. Therefore, the figure should not be interpreted as a guarantee of immediate access, but rather as a reference to the existing potential.
Towards a low-carbon energy transition
Researchers argue that understanding and perfecting the "recipe" for locating underground hydrogen deposits could make a decisive contribution to the global energy transition. Hydrogen stands out for being a clean energy source, without polluting emissions., with applications in a wide range of sectors. According to the authors, systematic exploration based on sound principles can pave the way for the commercial exploitation of these resources, helping to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
As an example, the team compares the process to preparing a culinary recipe: If one of the ingredients fails, the result may be disappointing.. Therefore, they propose a replicable exploration strategy that will allow for the identification of viable deposits in different regions of the world.
The discovery of these hydrogen deposits hidden beneath our feet invites us to rethink the world's energy future from a more sustainable and environmentally friendly perspective. Although not all of this potential can be exploited immediately, it is a stimulus for research and development into technologies aimed at harnessing this clean, abundant, and, to a large extent, previously unknown source.
