Natural Hydrogen: A Mini-Review Unveiling Its Potential as a Key to Sustainable Future for Energy

Abstract

As the global energy shortage challenge and transition continues, greater attention is being drawn to natural hydrogen, a clean and high-potential energy source. This review aims to provide an overview about the formation mechanism, exploration technology, research status of revolutionary natural hydrogen, as well as its key role and potential impact in achieving a sustainable future for energy. Natural hydrogen is produced primarily through serpentinization, a process in which water reacts with iron-rich ultrabasic rocks and is hypothesized to have the potential for forming gas accumulations in certain suitable regions of the world. Although natural hydrogen reserves are presently unclear, it is a promising solution to accelerate the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries. Until now, numerous studies have been conducted in many countries and regions, leading to multiple ambitious projects (currently under construction or implementation) and demonstrating the feasibility of using existing technologies for the safe exploration of natural hydrogen. With the development of natural hydrogen, it is believed that more resources will be certainly found and the remaining issues could be resolved in the future. This work could offer important insights for the development of natural hydrogen that is a key toward a sustainable future of energy.

Keywords

biological process / degassing / natural hydrogen / radiolysis / serpentinization

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2025 The Author(s). EcoEnergy published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of China Chemical Safety Association.