Could mountains be key to unlocking hydrogen’s potential?

Researchers investigated the potential for natural hydrogen gas to be produced and stored within mountain ranges, specifically the Alps, Pyrenees, and Baetic mountains, using plate tectonic simulations. Their findings, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, indicate that the Alps and Pyrenees could represent significant natural hydrogen exploration sites. Hydrogen is considered a crucial element for decarbonizing challenging sectors like chemical production, shipping, and steelmaking, but current synthetic production methods are energy-intensive and expensive. The success of a widespread hydrogen economy hinges on identifying reliable, naturally occurring sources of this gas. This study suggests that geological processes involved in the formation of these European mountain ranges may have created conditions conducive to natural hydrogen generation and accumulation. Further exploration in these areas could therefore contribute to a more sustainable and accessible hydrogen supply, aiding in the global transition away from fossil fuels.