As the world accelerates its transition toward clean energy, natural hydrogen—once a geological footnote—is emerging as a game-changing contender. Governments and private companies worldwide are ramping up exploration efforts for this zero-emission, low-cost fuel. From recent discoveries in France’s Moselle region to India’s geological promise, natural hydrogen is steadily capturing global attention as a viable alternative to conventional and green hydrogen.

What is Natural Hydrogen?

Natural hydrogen, also known as geologic hydrogen, is free molecular hydrogen (H₂) that occurs underground due to natural geological processes. Unlike green hydrogen, which requires energy-intensive electrolysis, or grey and blue hydrogen, which are derived from fossil fuels, natural hydrogen forms spontaneously in the Earth’s crust.

It is generated through:

• Serpentinisation: It is a geological process that produces hydrogen gas (H2) when water reacts with iron-rich minerals, particularly olivine, in ultramafic rocks like peridotite. This process, which primarily occurs at low temperatures and relatively shallow depths, also forms serpentine minerals and other secondary minerals like brucite and magnetite. The H2 generated during serpentinization can be a source of energy for some microorganisms and play a role in the formation of organic compounds. 
• Radiolysis:The breakdown of water molecules by the energy released from natural radioactive decay in the Earth’s crust, particularly in uranium-rich rocks. This process, also known as radioactive decay, contributes to the formation of natural hydrogen underground. 
• Organic Matter Decomposition: Release of hydrogen from deep carbonaceous materials.

Key Advantages of Natural Hydrogen

• Zero Emissions: When burned, hydrogen produces only water vapor—no CO₂.
• High Energy Efficiency: Hydrogen fuel cells are up to three times more efficient than gasoline engines.
• Low Cost of Production: Extraction costs are estimated to be under $2 per kilogram, significantly lower than green hydrogen (which exceeds $6/kg).
• Renewable Potential: Natural hydrogen can continuously regenerate in geological formations.
• Long-Term Supply: According to the US Geological Survey, even if just 2% of global reserves are usable, they could meet worldwide hydrogen demand for over 200 years.

Global Discoveries and Reserves

Natural hydrogen reserves have been found in various parts of the world, although exploration is still in early stages:

• France: The Moselle region boasts a newly discovered 46-million-ton reserve.
• Australia: Eyre Peninsula and Kangaroo Island show promising signs.
• United States: Kansas and Nebraska have documented hydrogen activity.
• Other Nations: Spain, Albania, Colombia, South Korea, and Canada have also reported traces.

Despite these findings, the full scale of natural hydrogen reserves remains unknown due to limited exploration.

India’s Natural Hydrogen Potential

India is sitting on vast geological structures ideal for natural hydrogen formation, including:

• Ophiolite belts in the Andaman Islands and Himalayas.
• Cratonic greenstone belts like Dharwar and Singhbhum.
• Sedimentary basins in regions such as Vindhyan, Gondwana, and Cuddapah.
• Basement rocks with natural fractures and active hydrothermal systems such as hot springs.

These geologic environments suggest a significant, yet untapped, natural hydrogen potential for India—one that aligns seamlessly with the country’s green energy ambitions.

Challenges and Roadblocks

While the potential is immense, several challenges hinder the rapid adoption of natural hydrogen:

• Lack of Exploration Data: Most reserves remain unmapped.
• Scattered Deposits: Economical extraction is difficult if deposits are small and dispersed.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Absence of pipelines, storage solutions, and fuelling stations.
• Safety Concerns: Hydrogen is highly flammable and odourless, complicating leak detection.
• Environmental Management: Extraction methods must mitigate the risk of hydrogen leakage, which can act as an indirect greenhouse gas.

Natural Hydrogen and the Clean Energy Future

Natural hydrogen can serve as a cornerstone for energy security and a sustainable future:

• Supports Energy Transition: It complements green hydrogen without requiring high energy input, aiding in global decarbonisation.
• Strategic Resource for India: India must invest in exploration, research, and regulation to leverage its natural reserves and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
• Environmental Sustainability: With responsible extraction and monitoring, natural hydrogen can offer a cleaner energy path with minimal environmental degradation.

Conclusion

Natural hydrogen is more than a scientific curiosity—it is a potentially transformative energy resource. As discoveries grow and technology advances, it stands poised to become a key player in the global clean energy mix. For countries like India, investing in natural hydrogen could offer a dual benefit: energy independence and environmental stewardship. The road ahead requires bold policy support, investment in exploration, and a commitment to sustainable practices. If these align, natural hydrogen might just fuel the future.