Natural Hydrogen can Transform India’s Clean Energy Future

Context

• Hydrogen is emerging as a clean energy carrier, crucial for global decarbonisation and combating climate change.
• While green hydrogen is resource-intensive, the discovery of natural (geological) hydrogen presents a low-cost and sustainable alternative.
• If effectively tapped, natural hydrogen could transform energy security and support India’s net-zero ambitions.

Understanding Natural Hydrogen

Conventional vs. Natural Hydrogen

Conventional hydrogen is primarily produced using fossil fuels (e.g., steam methane reforming), while green hydrogen uses renewable energy—both are resource-heavy. Natural hydrogen, formed geologically, offers a low-carbon and potentially low-cost alternative.

Geological Formation

Natural hydrogen originates from:

• Serpentinisation of ultramafic rocks.
• Radiolysis of water by radioactive elements.
• Thermal breakdown of organic material at depth.

Discovery and Global Interest

• In Mali (1987), a failed water drilling attempt uncovered a 98% pure hydrogen source.
• Since then, research has identified seeps in France, Spain, the U.S., Australia, and India, sparking global exploration.

Global Reserve Estimates and Market Momentum

• USGS Estimate (2022): Tens of trillions of tonnes of natural hydrogen may exist globally. Even if only 2% is usable, it could meet global demand for 200 years.
• Recent Discoveries:
  • France’s Lorraine and Moselle regions hold ~92 million tonnes (worth $92 billion).

Industry Growth

• Companies in over 10 countries are now exploring natural hydrogen.
• The cost of production is estimated at $1/kg, cheaper than green and grey hydrogen.
• Major investments include $245 million for U.S.-based Koloma from Amazon and Gates-backed ventures.

India’s Strategic Opportunity

Geological Potential

• India’s ophiolite complexes, greenstone belts, cratonic basins, and geothermal regions are rich in natural hydrogen potential.
• A preliminary estimate suggests 3,475 million tonnes of reserves.

Alignment with Energy Goals

• India’s hydrogen demand is expected to grow from 6 Mt/year (2020) to over 50 Mt/year by 2070.
• Natural hydrogen can support India’s net-zero 2070 target, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance energy sovereignty.

Challenges in Exploration and Utilisation

• Lack of Standard Techniques: Unlike oil and gas, there are no proven methods for locating or quantifying natural hydrogen accurately.
• Technical Barriers: High diffusivity and reactivity of hydrogen complicate extraction and containment.
  • Infrastructure and materials may degrade without protective coatings or design adjustments.
• Regulatory and Safety Concerns: Absence of policy frameworks for natural hydrogen exploration.
  • High flammability and reactivity demand strict safety protocols.

Policy and Technological Way Forward

• National Survey and Mapping: India can replicate the SRRA model (used for solar mapping) via a public-private hydrogen resource atlas.
• R&D and Demonstration Projects: Inspired by the U.S. ARPA-E model, India can explore:
  • Water-rock reactions.
  • CO₂ injection in iron-rich formations to produce hydrogen and store carbon simultaneously.
• Leveraging Existing Infrastructure: Oil & gas sector assets (wells, cores, pipelines) can be adapted for hydrogen exploration and transport.
• Institutional and Regulatory Support: Provide exploration incentives.
  • Establish hydrogen-specific extraction norms.
  • Develop a regulatory body or empower the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons for oversight.

Conclusion

Natural hydrogen represents a game-changing opportunity for India’s energy transition. With the right investments in geoscientific mapping, policy reforms, and technological innovation, India can emerge as a leader in natural hydrogen exploration. Unlocking this potential will not only help meet climate targets but also boost economic and strategic resilience.

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