Natural hydrogen could be part of a green future, but needs scientific rigor to balance hype

Royal Society report says, where geology, industry and regulation align, natural hydrogen could be a viable low-carbon resource

Naturally occurring hydrogen could become a valuable component in the transition towards clean energy in some locations, according to a new report from the Royal Society.

The Natural hydrogen: future energy and resource report explores the emerging potential of naturally occurring hydrogen (also known as "white" or “gold” hydrogen) as a low-carbon resource both globally and in the UK.

Unlike most hydrogen used today, which is made using fossil fuels (blue hydrogen) or electricity (green hydrogen) in industrial plants, natural hydrogen forms through chemical reactions in the Earth’s crust. If found in sufficient quantities and safely extracted, it could offer a cheaper, lower cost alternative to other sources of hydrogen.

Professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar CC, FRS, lead author of the report, said:

“Hydrogen is already a $135 billion industry and is a key component in critical industries such as fertiliser production. As the world searches for cleaner energy options, natural hydrogen could also offer a low-cost, low-carbon addition to our toolkit.”

Exploration for natural hydrogen is already underway in several countries, including the US, Canada, Australia and parts of Europe, with most efforts spearheaded by private companies. In France, natural hydrogen has been found at sites in the Pyrenees, and in South Australia dedicated exploration licenses have been granted.

If present, natural hydrogen could be used for the same range of applications as other forms of hydrogen, including powering industrial processes, producing fertilisers and ammonia, storing energy and fuelling heavy transport. In regions with existing infrastructure, the right geology, and industrial demand, such as major mining industry hubs in Canada and Australia, natural hydrogen could be a low-cost, low-carbon alternative to energy sources currently used.

However, for natural hydrogen to have commercial potential, producers must show they can deliver enough hydrogen, at the right purity, from proven reserves. The village of Bourakébougou in Mali is so far the only place in the world where naturally occurring hydrogen has been tapped for commercial benefit.

In the UK, there has been no nationwide assessment of natural hydrogen potential, despite promising geological formations in Scotland and Cornwall where it could form. A lack of supporting legislation and regulatory frameworks is a barrier to exploring for natural hydrogen – both in the UK and globally. Some countries are beginning to issue dedicated exploration licenses to address this issue, but simplifying permitting and licensing processes will be essential to accelerate exploration efforts.

While natural hydrogen may hold potential to support the UK’s and other countries transition to clean energy, claims of an unlimited, renewable supply are unfounded, and many fundamental questions remain unanswered. Thorough evaluation and testing will be needed to ensure genuine hydrogen reserves are accurately identified and not confused with small quantities of hydrogen produced by microbes in near surface environments.

Co-ordinated research and exploration to discover how much exists underground, where it can be found, and how it can be safely extracted will also be crucial to understanding the role natural hydrogen could play in a low-carbon future.

“This is not a gold rush,” says Professor Sherwood Lollar. “As interest grows, we need to make sure evidence stays at the centre of the conversation. We need solid science, good data, and a realistic view of what’s possible to make sure the hype doesn’t run away with itself.”

The report is part of the Society’s wider work examining the science and potential of hydrogen as an alternative source of clean energy. The 2024 green hydrogen roadmap highlighted the key infrastructure, regulations, and supply chain integration needed to build a world-class hydrogen economy, and a report on defossilising the chemical industry pointed to hydrogen as a crucial low-carbon feedstock, with natural hydrogen offering potential as a direct input for chemicals manufacturing.