(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) WHITE HYDROGEN

(APRIL-2025)

WHITE HYDROGEN

France has discovered a massive reserve of natural (white) hydrogen in the Moselle region, estimated at 46 million tons and valued at around $92 billion.

What is White Hydrogen?

• White hydrogen is naturally occurring pure hydrogen found underground.

• It is formed by geochemical reactions between minerals and water in the Earth’s crust, especially in hard rock formations.

• Unlike oil or gas, hydrogen molecules are very small and light, so they can sometimes escape easily through rocks, making exploration tricky

Where is White Hydrogen Found?

• Mali (Africa): In 2012, a well leaked near-pure hydrogen, one of the first major discoveries.

• Europe: Significant natural hydrogen reserves have also been found in France and Spain. 

Why is White Hydrogen Important? 

• Zero Emissions: It forms naturally, so no carbon emissions are involved in its creation.

• Cheaper than Green Hydrogen: White hydrogen may cost less than hydrogen made by artificial processes.

• Self-Replenishing: It continuously forms underground, unlike fossil fuels that take millions of years.

Challenges in Using White Hydrogen

• Hard to Find: White hydrogen forms only in specific geological settings, making exploration difficult.

• Extraction Issues: Current technology is limited for large-scale commercial use.

• Environmental Concerns: Natural leaks could pose safety or environmental risks if not handled properly.

• Lack of Clear Regulations: There’s still uncertainty about how to manage and regulate this resource globally.

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Courtesy: Science Reporter