Scientists investigate natural underground hydrogen reserves as a promising low-carbon alternative, with potential to meet global energy demands and revolutionise industrial decarbonisation.
Scientists are increasingly turning their attention to geologic hydrogen, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen trapped underground, as a possible low-carbon feedstock for sectors that are hardest to decarbonise. A recent review in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment suggests Earth’s crust may have generated enough of this resource over the past billion years to cover current global energy demand for roughly 170,000 years, although the estimate remains theoretical and hinges on whether enough of that hydrogen can be found, extracted and brought to market economically.
The attraction is obvious. Hydrogen is already seen as a potential route to cutting emissions in steel, heavy transport and other industrial applications where direct electrification is difficult. But the economics of today’s low-carbon hydrogen supply chain remain challenging, with green hydrogen typically produced using expensive renewable electricity and electrolysers. Sandia National Laboratories says geologic hydrogen could, in principle, be produced for about $0.50 to $1 per kilogram, well below the costs commonly associated with current green hydrogen production.
That cost argument is helping to drive renewed scientific and commercial interest. The US Geological Survey defines geologic hydrogen as hydrogen gas that occurs naturally beneath the Earth’s surface, stored in rock formations in a way that is broadly comparable to conventional subsurface energy resources. Researchers say the key question is not whether hydrogen exists underground, but where it accumulates in sufficient volumes and whether it can be extracted safely and reliably.
A number of studies now point to geological conditions that may favour larger deposits, including hydrogen-generating rocks, groundwater and trapping structures that keep the gas in place. That insight is important for exploration, because unlike manufactured hydrogen, natural hydrogen has to be found before it can be produced. The science is still young, but the emerging map of prospective basins is already shaping a search for commercial deposits.
Canada has become one of the focal points. Researchers from the University of Oxford, Durham University and the University of Toronto have argued that the Canadian Shield, the vast expanse of ancient rock surrounding Hudson Bay, could hold significant hydrogen potential. That has encouraged early movers to test the concept in the field. Vema Hydrogen, for example, has drilled test wells in rural Quebec and is experimenting with injecting treated water into iron-rich rock in the hope of triggering reactions that release hydrogen.
Even so, the industry remains at a very early stage. Finding the right geology is only part of the challenge; operators will also need to prove that extraction can be done at scale, with acceptable environmental performance and without undermining the economics that make the resource attractive in the first place. For industrial decarbonisation, geologic hydrogen is therefore less a ready-made solution than a potentially important new supply class, one that could complement electrification, biomethane and other low-carbon options if the subsurface and the business case both hold up.
- https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Theres-Enough-Hydrogen-Underground-to-Power-Earth-for-170000-Years.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/huge-reservoirs-of-clean-hydrogen-could-power-earth-for-170-000-years/ – A recent review published in Nature Reviews Earth and Environment suggests that Earth’s crust has produced enough hydrogen over the past billion years to meet current energy needs for 170,000 years. The study outlines geological conditions conducive to hydrogen accumulation, aiding exploration efforts. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to assess the economic viability of extracting this hydrogen, considering factors like geological settings and potential environmental impacts. The findings highlight the significant potential of natural hydrogen as a clean energy source, though challenges remain in its extraction and utilization.
- https://www.usgs.gov/index.php/faqs/what-geologic-hydrogen – The U.S. Geological Survey defines geologic hydrogen, also known as natural hydrogen, as hydrogen gas naturally found beneath Earth’s surface. Unlike industrially produced hydrogen, geologic hydrogen is sourced and stored in rocks, similar to traditional petroleum resources. This form of hydrogen is considered a clean fuel, emitting only heat and water when combusted, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. The USGS emphasizes the potential of geologic hydrogen as a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source both within the United States and globally.
- https://energy.sandia.gov/geologic-hydrogen/ – Sandia National Laboratories discusses the economics of geologic hydrogen, highlighting its potential to be produced at costs between $0.5 and $1 per kilogram, significantly lower than current industrial methods. The article emphasizes the need for research and development to make geologic hydrogen a reliable and affordable part of the U.S. energy portfolio. It also notes that the Department of Energy’s hydrogen economy roadmap did not initially consider sourcing and storing hydrogen underground, focusing instead on connecting electricity producers with hydrogen end-users through existing natural gas infrastructure.
- https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/scientists-think-a-hidden-source-of-clean-energy-could-power-earth-for-170-000-years-and-theyve-figured-out-the-recipe-to-find-it – Researchers have identified key geological conditions that could lead to the formation of large hydrogen accumulations beneath Earth’s surface. These ‘ingredients’ include the presence of hydrogen-producing rocks, abundant groundwater, and specific geological settings that trap hydrogen. The study aims to guide exploration companies in locating these natural hydrogen reservoirs, potentially accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. The findings underscore the importance of understanding geological processes in the search for sustainable energy sources.
- https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/earths-crust-hides-enough-gold-hydrogen-to-power-the-world-for-tens-of-thousands-of-years-emerging-research-suggests – Emerging research suggests that Earth’s crust contains vast reserves of naturally occurring ‘gold’ hydrogen, potentially enough to meet global energy needs for tens of thousands of years. The discovery stems from a 1987 hydrogen explosion in Mali, leading to the identification of a productive hydrogen well. This finding has spurred a global search for underground hydrogen reservoirs. Unlike industrial hydrogen, natural hydrogen is environmentally cleaner, with emissions primarily from extraction. Techniques are now being developed to map hydrogen prospectivity using geological data, focusing on rock composition, temperature, porosity, and sealing layers that trap hydrogen underground.
- https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Theres-Enough-Hydrogen-Underground-to-Power-Earth-for-170000-Years.html – An article from OilPrice.com discusses the potential of geologic hydrogen as a clean energy source. It highlights that scientists estimate Earth contains enough naturally occurring ‘geologic’ hydrogen to meet global energy needs for 170,000 years. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests it could be produced for under $1 per kilogram, a fraction of current green hydrogen costs. The article also mentions that Canadian researchers have identified vast hydrogen deposits in the Canadian Shield, prompting startups like Vema Hydrogen to begin test drilling in Quebec. Despite the potential, significant technical hurdles remain in identifying optimal deposits and perfecting extraction methods.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The article was published on June 1, 2026, and references a recent review in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. However, similar claims about Earth’s crust containing enough hydrogen to meet global energy needs for 170,000 years have been reported in previous articles, such as one from Scientific American dated May 19, 2025. ([scientificamerican.com](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/huge-reservoirs-of-clean-hydrogen-could-power-earth-for-170-000-years/?utm_source=openai)) This suggests that the narrative may not be entirely new. Additionally, the article appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. Nonetheless, the presence of similar content from the previous year raises concerns about the originality of the information.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes from experts, such as Chris Ballentine and Jon Gluyas. However, these quotes are also present in other sources, including the Scientific American article from May 19, 2025. ([scientificamerican.com](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/huge-reservoirs-of-clean-hydrogen-could-power-earth-for-170-000-years/?utm_source=openai)) This repetition suggests that the quotes may have been reused, potentially indicating a lack of originality. While the quotes are attributed to their respective sources, the reuse across multiple articles raises questions about the freshness and independence of the content.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The article originates from OilPrice.com, an energy-focused news outlet. While it is a known publication, it is not as widely recognized as major news organizations like the BBC or Reuters. The article cites a press release and includes quotes from experts, but the overall source reliability is moderate. The reliance on a press release and the presence of similar content in other publications suggest that the information may not be entirely independent.
Plausibility check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Earth’s crust containing enough hydrogen to meet global energy needs for 170,000 years are plausible and have been reported in reputable sources. However, the article’s reliance on a press release and the reuse of quotes from previous articles raise concerns about the originality and independence of the information. The lack of new, independently verified data or perspectives suggests that the article may not offer significant new insights.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The article presents claims about Earth’s crust containing enough hydrogen to meet global energy needs for 170,000 years, which have been reported in previous articles. The reliance on a press release and the reuse of quotes from other sources raise concerns about the originality and independence of the content. The lack of new, independently verified data or perspectives suggests that the article may not offer significant new insights.
