Natural hydrogen can transform India’s clean energy future

Source: The post Natural hydrogen can transform India’s clean energy future has been created, based on the article “Is natural hydrogen the fuel of the future?” and “Is natural hydrogen the fuel of the future?” published in “The Hindu” on 1 May and 2 May 2025 respectively. Natural hydrogen can transform India’s clean energy future.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Infrastructures- Energy

Context: Hydrogen is emerging as a clean energy source to combat global warming and decarbonise the global economy. While conventional and green hydrogen face cost and environmental limitations, naturally occurring hydrogen offers a promising alternative. With signs of abundant reserves in India, its potential could reshape the global and national energy landscape.

For detailed information on Green Hydrogen Mission read this article here

Understanding Natural Hydrogen and Its Discovery

1. Conventional vs Natural Hydrogen: Hydrogen is mainly produced from natural gas using energy-intensive and polluting methods. Green hydrogen, produced with renewable electricity, is cleaner but still costly and resource-heavy. Natural hydrogen, if sustainably harvested, may offer a cleaner and cheaper alternative.
2. Sources and Geological Origins: Natural hydrogen is formed through serpentinisation, radiolysis of water by radioactive rocks, and from organic matter at depth. It exists in various geological settings, including ultramafic rocks, tectonic regions, and active hydrothermal zones.
3. Historical Breakthrough in Mali: In 1987, a hydrogen flame erupted from a well in Mali during a failed water drilling attempt. In 2012, it was confirmed to be 98% pure hydrogen. Earlier, natural hydrogen was considered a geological rarity due to its reactivity and small molecular size.
4. Expanding Scientific Attention: Now, scientists identify favourable zones for natural hydrogen worldwide, such as the Pyrenees, Alps, and Himalayas. The discovery of helium with hydrogen and hydrogen in coal mines suggests new geological insights and growing interest in its energy potential.

Global and Indian Hydrogen Reserves

1. Worldwide Exploration Trends: Though total global reserves remain uncertain, ongoing research reveals significant promise. Natural hydrogen seeps have been identified in Australia, the U.S., Spain, France, and others. The USGS model (2022) estimates these reserves could meet global demand for thousands of years.
2. Major Discoveries and Estimates: In France’s Lorraine and Moselle regions, 92 million tonnes of hydrogen were found in 2023–25. Valued at $92 billion, this is half the current global hydrogen output. USGS estimates suggest tens of trillions of tonnes globally. Even if 2% is usable, it could meet global demand for 200 years.
3. India’s Geological Advantage: India holds untapped natural hydrogen potential, especially in areas with ophiolite complexes, greenstone belts, cratonic basins, and hot springs. A preliminary academic estimate suggests 3,475 million tonnes may exist, potentially removing the need for manufactured hydrogen.
4. Strategic Significance for India: India’s hydrogen demand is set to grow from 6 Mt/year in 2020 to over 50 Mt/year by 2070. Natural hydrogen could support India’s net-zero goal by 2070 and improve energy security and strategic autonomy.

Industrial Response and Market Dynamics

1. Rapid Industry Growth: The number of companies exploring natural hydrogen rose from 10 in 2020 to 40 in 2023. They operate in Australia, U.S., Europe, and Asia, signaling global momentum.
2. Low-Cost Advantage: Producers estimate extraction costs at $1/kg or less, cheaper than green hydrogen or fossil-fuel hydrogen. This cost advantage is a major driver of investor interest.
3. Major Investments: U.S. firm Koloma secured $245 million in funding from Amazon and Gates-backed ventures. Other startups like Mantle 8 and Snowfox Discovery are also attracting support. Even BP and Rio Tinto are investing in this space.
4. Institutional Support: The American Association of Petroleum Geologists formed a dedicated committee. USGS has launched its first initiative to identify key hydrogen zones in the U.S.

Barriers and Technical Challenges

1. Exploration Complexity: Unlike oil and gas, standard techniques for detecting natural hydrogen are lacking. Accurate quantification and location of underground reserves is a key obstacle.
2. Technical Constraints: Hydrogen’s small molecular size and high diffusivity make extraction and containment difficult. Efficient drilling and production systems are still being developed.
3. Material and Safety Risks: Hydrogen can degrade materials. Solutions include metal coatings, cement additives, and rubber fillers that resist hydrogen damage. Safety protocols are critical due to hydrogen’s reactivity.

India’s Roadmap for Natural Hydrogen

1. Need for Strategic Surveys: India can replicate its SRRA solar model through a public-private partnership for mapping hydrogen zones. This will help policymakers and investors act quickly.
2. New Techniques and Use of Existing Infrastructure: Inspired by U.S. ARPA-E projects, India can test methods like drilling water into rocks or injecting CO₂ into iron-rich rocks to extract hydrogen while sequestering carbon. The Oil and Gas industry, with the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, can analyze existing rock samples and wells. Modified natural gas pipelines could also transport hydrogen.
3. Ensuring Commercial Viability: Though cheaper to extract, actual viability depends on accessible, concentrated reserves and cost-efficient infrastructure. Exploration grants, extraction R&D, and regulatory clarity are vital to attract investment.

Question for practice:

Examine the potential of natural hydrogen in addressing India’s future energy needs and its role in achieving the country’s net-zero targets.