Natural Hydrogen: Exploring India's Geological Potential

What is Natural Hydrogen?

Natural hydrogen, often referred to as white hydrogen, is hydrogen gas that occurs naturally underground due to geological processes. Unlike other forms like green hydrogen, which is generated through electrolysis using renewable energy, or grey and blue hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, natural hydrogen is extracted directly from the Earth.

Differences Between Natural and Manufactured Hydrogen

Manufactured hydrogen is produced via various industrial processes, including:

• Green hydrogen: Produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources.
• Blue hydrogen: Generated from natural gas with carbon capture technology.
• Grey hydrogen: Derived from fossil fuels without any carbon capture.

In contrast, natural hydrogen exists in nature and is obtained through drilling, similar to the extraction of oil or gas.

Availability and Potential of Natural Hydrogen in India

India is thought to possess significant natural hydrogen reserves in various geological zones, including:

• Archaean rock formations: Among the oldest on Earth, these formations contain iron and other reactive minerals that can produce hydrogen through chemical weathering and radiolysis.
• Volcanic and serpentinized ultramafic zones: Rich in minerals such as olivine and pyroxene, these rocks release hydrogen when they react with water, a process known as serpentinization.

Key locations include the Dharwar Craton in Karnataka, Singhbhum Craton in Jharkhand, and regions in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Projected Hydrogen Demand in India

In 2020, India's hydrogen demand stood at 6 million tonnes per year and is expected to surpass 50 million tonnes annually by 2070. This surge is anticipated to support net-zero targets across various sectors, including steel production, refining, and mobility.

Extraction Methods and Economic Viability

Natural hydrogen can be extracted using two primary methods:

• Drilling into hydrogen-bearing rocks and venting the gas to the surface.
• Injecting water into mineral-rich rocks to trigger chemical reactions that release hydrogen.

Natural hydrogen may prove to be cheaper than manufactured hydrogen, especially if located in accessible areas, as it avoids the high energy costs associated with processes like electrolysis and steam reforming. However, extraction costs can vary based on:

• Drilling technology.
• Purity and volume of hydrogen obtained.
• Transport infrastructure.
• Regulatory approvals.

Technical and Safety Challenges

The extraction and utilization of natural hydrogen face several challenges:

• Technical: Issues such as hydrogen migration, leakage, and the need for precise detection of underground pockets.
• Logistical: Challenges posed by remote locations and a lack of existing infrastructure.
• Safety: Hydrogen's flammability necessitates stringent storage and transport protocols.
• Regulatory: The need for updated regulations concerning exploration rights and environmental clearances.

Global Context and Support

India can learn from global initiatives, such as those in the U.S. and Europe, where organizations are investing in:

• Geological mapping to identify hydrogen hotspots.
• Cost-effective test drilling.
• Public-private partnerships for building pipelines and safe storage solutions.

Policy Recommendations for Harnessing Natural Hydrogen

To harness this resource effectively, India should consider:

• Launching a national hydrogen exploration mission under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Enhancing collaboration between research institutions like CSIR, GSI, and ONGC.
• Allocating public funding and incentives for pilot wells, exploration rigs, and localized grid storage.

Conclusion

Natural hydrogen, or "white hydrogen," offers India a potential low-cost and low-emission energy resource. While the country's geological formations indicate promise, exploration remains in its early stages. Ensuring technical readiness, safety protocols, and regulatory clarity will be vital for tapping into this resource responsibly, positioning natural hydrogen as a strategic component of India's energy transition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is natural hydrogen?
Answer: Natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, is hydrogen gas produced naturally underground through geological processes, differing from manufactured forms which require industrial production.

Q2. How does extraction of natural hydrogen work?
Answer: Natural hydrogen is extracted through methods like drilling into hydrogen-bearing rocks or injecting water into mineral-rich formations to trigger hydrogen release through chemical reactions.

Q3. Does India have natural hydrogen reserves?
Answer: Yes, India possesses promising geological zones for natural hydrogen, including the Dharwar Craton, Singhbhum Craton, and other regions rich in the required minerals.

Q4. What are the projected hydrogen demands for India?
Answer: India’s hydrogen demand is expected to grow from 6 million tonnes per year in 2020 to over 50 million tonnes annually by 2070, driven by the need for clean energy across various sectors.