Natural hydrogen (H\u2082) has emerged as a low\u2011carbon energy resource with high potential in the energy transition, and it also plays a key role in subsurface microbial ecosystems dependent on chemolithotrophic processes. Its generation underground\u2014particularly in crystalline environments\u2014occurs primarily through water\u2011rock interactions, such as serpentinization of ultramafic rocks, and radiolysis, which splits water molecules due to the natural decay of radioactive elements (U, Th, K) present in the lithosphere. The latter process, in addition to producing H\u2082, can generate sulfate, which acts as an electron acceptor in hydrogen\u2011dependent sulfate\u2011reducing microbial metabolisms (Higgins et al., 2025). Since these mechanisms occur naturally, H\u2082 can be considered a renewable resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This type of hydrogen has been detected in various geological settings, including ophiolites, intracratonic basins, extensional zones, and other rock types. Notable examples include the Bourakebougou field in Mali, where a hydrogen\u2011rich accumulation is already being exploited; the S\u00e3o Francisco Basin in Brazil, which shows high concentrations in wells and numerous surface emissions; and ophiolite\u2011associated seepages, such as the iconic \u201ceternal flame\u201d of Chimaera in Turkey. Active exploration is also underway in regions of Australia and in the foothills of the western Pyrenees (France and Spain). In Spain, there is additionally a natural hydrogen deposit in Huesca\u2014specifically in Monz\u00f3n\u2014which is currently under study and expected to be exploited in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Natural hydrogen exploration follows a progression similar to oil exploration. The first step is detecting signs of hydrogen presence and linking them to a generating source. This preliminary analysis allows estimating the resource\u2019s potential volume, guiding further characterization and exploitation efforts. Next, it\u2019s necessary to understand the gas\u2019s migration mechanisms toward possible traps or reservoirs, and finally characterize these reservoirs to assess their viability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Geophysics, using seismic and potential methods, plays a key role in this initial phase, as it enables delineation of the subsurface geological structures, setting the physical framework of the system. Meanwhile, geochemistry is essential for detecting surface emanations and tracking H\u2082 migration, which often appears at the surface as circular depressions. Moreover, detailed rock analysis\u2014such as studying chromitites in ophiolites using three-dimensional techniques like microtomography\u2014provides better insight into gas generation, storage, and circulation processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this complex framework, the integrating geologist has the mission of reconstructing a region\u2019s geological history, identifying the events and conditions that enabled hydrogen generation, migration, and retention underground, as well as locating potential reservoirs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once the first exploratory well is drilled, a more detailed evaluation is conducted using petrophysical and rock-physics techniques, which allow more precise reservoir characterization and the definition of detection criteria based on seismic attributes. This information is then integrated into a geocellular model, enabling simulation of the complete system and guiding future exploitation decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Highlighted Cases in Latin America<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brazil \u2013 Petrobras<\/strong>: The national oil company launched in 2024 an R&D program for natural hydrogen with an initial investment of 20 million reais. As early as 2023, it organized specialized workshops and international collaborations to evaluate natural H\u2082 prospecting tools (inspenet.com). This joint effort (between Petrobras engineers and research centers) aims to validate geophysical and geochemical methodologies and map potential generators in Brazilian basins .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chile<\/strong>: A team led by Dr. Diana Comte (Univ. Chile) obtained national funding to study natural hydrogen in the Andean Altiplano. Their interdisciplinary research integrates geology, geochemistry, and geophysics to define a conceptual model of H\u2082 formation and accumulation in northern Chile (uchile.cl). Techniques planned include surface gas sampling, isotopic measurements, and geothermal modeling to identify emission hotspots. This academic study demonstrates adoption of an integrated approach similar to that used in oil exploration but adapted for hydrogen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Highlighted Cases in Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Spain \u2013 Monz\u00f3n Project (Helio Arag\u00f3n)<\/strong>: In Arag\u00f3n, Helio Arag\u00f3n (a BP and Spanish Axi\u00f3n joint venture) is leading the first European natural hydrogen project. According to pv\u2011magazine, the Monz\u00f3n prospect was defined using 2D seismic and high\u2011density gravity surveys, and extensive surface geochemical sampling detected elevated H\u2082 (and He) concentrations above the reservoir and main faults. Drilling of the Monz\u00f3n\u20112 well is scheduled for the second half of 2024 (~\u20ac12\u202fM), which will be the first well in Europe aimed at extracting natural hydrogen. The company reports that the Monz\u00f3n structure (anticlines and traps) and geochemical anomalies suggest recoverable volumes estimated at over 1\u202fmillion tonnes of H\u2082 in the current permit, with greater potential in the region. Development considers conventional continuous production technologies with projected costs below \u20ac1\/kg (without need for electrolysis or new storage) .<\/p>\n\n\n\n France \u2013 Sauve Terre Permit and TBH2<\/strong>: In December 2023, France authorized the first research permit dedicated to native hydrogen in the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es-Atlantiques (called \u201cSauve Terre H\u2082\u201d). Granted to the startup TBH2 Aquitaine (a company spun off from deeptech Terrensis), it covers 225 km\u00b2 of B\u00e9arn. The area was selected for meeting \u201call necessary conditions\u201d for H\u2082 generation and accumulation (usinenouvelle.com): the mantle rock is relatively shallow, allowing meteoric waters to penetrate serpentinitized peridotites (generating hydrogen through Fe oxidation), and the structure includes anticline folds with impermeable materials (Keuper clay layers) that would act as natural seals. The press highlights that these geological elements (meteoric aquifers, nearby ophiolites, structural traps) configure a very favorable integrated system. This pioneering French permit reflects how areas with surface evidence of H\u2082 and suitable geology are prioritized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These examples illustrate the potential of technological integration in exploration. For instance, detecting chimneys and pockmarks in seismic data, combined with surface geochemical anomalies, directly indicates the existence of deep sources of interest (stet-review.org & pv-magazine.es).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Constructing 3D models, fed with field and geophysical data (such as seismic, gravimetry, and magnetometry), allows for high-resolution definition of reservoir geometry and evaluation of seal integrity. In turn, data obtained from wells will help refine and update reservoir characteristics with greater precision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, combining advanced seismic, intelligent sensors, laboratory analysis, and artificial intelligence significantly reduces exploration uncertainty. Each anomaly can be validated through the integration of multiple sources of evidence\u2014structural, geochemical, and modeled\u2014which increases confidence in results and improves decision-making in natural hydrogen exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the field of natural hydrogen is still in its early stages, its enormous energy potential is already evident. Its development will require overcoming technical challenges, such as material degradation due to hydrogen exposure and risks of seal failures in wells, as well as a deeper understanding of its behavior in the subsurface. However, the emergence of new companies and the growth of scientific research around this resource demonstrate a growing confidence in its viability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The experience and infrastructure of the oil and gas sector can be crucial to accelerate this development, providing tools, knowledge, and methodologies that have already been tested. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be necessary to advance the technology and knowledge required for its efficient and safe large-scale exploitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Explorations in different regions of the world suggest that there could be reserves capable of meeting global demand for thousands of years, making natural hydrogen a strategic resource of great relevance for the energy transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In summary, the exploration of natural hydrogen is both a scientific and technical challenge and a unique opportunity. It opens new frontiers for geosciences, expanding the scope of geoscientists and positioning them as key players in the development of an emerging industry with the potential to transform the planet’s energy future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Natural hydrogen (H\u2082) has emerged as a low\u2011carbon energy resource with high potential in the energy transition, and it also plays a key role in subsurface microbial ecosystems dependent on chemolithotrophic processes. Its generation underground\u2014particularly in crystalline environments\u2014occurs primarily through water\u2011rock interactions, such as serpentinization of ultramafic rocks, and radiolysis, which splits water molecules due […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2175,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categoria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2344"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2344\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2363,"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2344\/revisions\/2363"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2175"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jaczgeoconsultores.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}