The earth's crust conceals huge reserves of hydrogen - the key energy resource of the future - and now scientists have finally solved the recipe for the natural formation of this gas. New knowledge will help to find and explore large deposits of hydrogen, locked deep below the planet's surface.
Humanity already actively uses hydrogen as fuel and considers it one of the main tools to achieve zero carbon balance, which will help combat climate change. However, it still remains a mystery how this gas is naturally formed in the earth's crust. British and Canadian scientists in a joint study were able to reproduce the conditions and mechanisms of natural formation of hydrogen in the Earth's crust. They are convinced that this discovery will help to identify large reserves that can potentially provide humanity with hydrogen energy for tens of thousands of years forward. According to preliminary estimates, the withdrawal of these stocks can meet the global needs for water for the next 170,000 years. This means that humanity no longer has to produce hydrogen from fossil fuels, which is accompanied by harmful CO₂.
The process of natural formation of hydrogen occurs when the water responds to rocks rich in iron or radioactive elements. For gas formation are also important: appropriate temperature; pressure; time; Localization of the process.
Scientists have proposed to create a detailed map of potential places of hydrogen formation, taking into account these conditions. The analysis of the map indicates the availability of large gas reserves in the bowels of the Earth, in particular in the Brakebuga region in Mali. The main problem is the search for economically advantageous hydrogen deposits. Through discovery, scientists have created a kind of "treasure card" that will help to direct intelligence into the right regions. Particular attention should be paid to environmental aspects: underground germs are actively consuming hydrogen, so it is important to avoid areas where they can consume useful gas.
Previous studies have also shown that large deposits of hydrogen can be concentrated in the mountain ranges of the world formed by shifts and tectonic movements. At the same time, many scientists are working on improving the methods of finding natural hydrogen to find the cleanest and most effective sources.
