Scientists estimate natural hydrogen deposits may meet global energy demand for 170,000 years, potentially transforming clean energy markets.
Researchers have identified vast underground hydrogen reserves capable of supplying global energy needs for 170,000 years. The discovery could accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like steelmaking and shipping, where hydrogen’s high-heat combustion leaves only water vapor as a byproduct.
Currently, green hydrogen accounts for less than 1% of U.S. hydrogen production due to high costs and inefficiencies in clean energy conversion. Most hydrogen is derived from natural gas, a process that emits significant greenhouse gases. The new findings suggest natural hydrogen could bypass production bottlenecks if extraction proves viable.
The potential shift could disrupt energy markets by reducing reliance on synthetic green hydrogen, though commercial extraction methods remain unproven. Analysts warn that scaling production may take decades, even if reserves are confirmed.