The initiative "Energy Systems of the Future" (ESYS) has published a position paper on natural hydrogen. The paper titled "Geological Hydrogen – An Underestimated Energy Source?" is authored by experts from the science academies acatech, Leopoldina, and the Union of Academies. It examines the quantities of hydrogen stored in the earth, how deposits can be found and extracted, and what economic applications could result from this.
Data Situation on Deposits Unclear
According to ESYS, the geological processes by which hydrogen is formed are already relatively well researched. However, reliable data is lacking on whether the formed hydrogen accumulates in exploitable deposits. So far, only a single deposit in Mali is used worldwide for energy production. "Discussions with international experts, whose insights underpin the position paper, have shown that the occurrences of natural hydrogen are difficult to estimate, as several challenges converge here," explains Karen Pittel, deputy chair of the ESYS board and researcher at the ifo Institute.
The migration, accumulation, and storage of hydrogen in rock are still poorly understood. Additionally, hydrogen measured in the ground does not necessarily have to originate from geological processes. It can also be produced by microbial processes or during drilling through friction and corrosion.
Supplement Rather Than Replacement for Green Hydrogen
Should exploitable deposits be found, production costs would be significantly lower than those of green hydrogen from electrolysis, according to ESYS experts. However, most experts do not see natural hydrogen as a replacement for green hydrogen. Decentralized applications are particularly promising, such as co-production with helium, coupling with geothermal energy, or local energy generation.
The Legal Framework in Germany: The legal conditions for exploration and extraction differ significantly internationally. In Germany, hydrogen has been considered free to mine since the Hydrogen Acceleration Act came into effect in early April. Exploration and extraction no longer require the consent of landowners. According to ESYS, targeted state research funding could help to assess more reliably whether natural hydrogen can be planned as a resource in the future.
