5 Trillion Tons of Natural Hydrogen Sleeping on Earth... Enough for Humanity to Use for 10,000 Years

Hydrogen Extracted from Underground Like Oil and Gas
Even Extracting a Very Small Amount Can Supply Global Energy Needs

There is a claim that as much as 5 trillion tons of natural hydrogen may be dormant beneath the Earth. This amount is enough for all humanity to use for the next 10,000 years. The British financial newspaper Financial Times (FT) recently introduced part of an unpublished report presented by Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, head of research at the United States Geological Survey, at an annual academic conference.

Dr. Ellis estimates the amount of natural gas currently buried beneath the Earth to be 5 trillion tons and stated, "Although most hydrogen is likely inaccessible, even if only a portion can be extracted, it can meet energy demand for hundreds of years to come."

Experimental mining site of Canadian natural hydrogen drilling company 'Hydroma'
[Image source=Hydroma website]

Natural hydrogen is hydrogen that can be mined underground like oil resources. Most of it is estimated to exist in the Earth's upper mantle. This hydrogen is naturally generated within the Earth. In particular, 'olivine,' which constitutes the upper mantle layer of the Earth, is attracting attention as a major natural hydrogen source. Olivine reacts with water under high temperature and pressure to become serpentine, releasing hydrogen in the process.

Hydrogen fuel is considered a next-generation eco-friendly energy source. Unlike oil or gas, it leaves only water after producing energy. FT also reported on the potential of natural hydrogen, saying, "A new energy gold rush could be revived."

In resource-rich countries such as the United States, attempts to drill for natural gas are already underway. Breakthrough Energy Ventures, an energy venture capital (VC) firm invested in by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, has supported the natural gas mining company Coloma with $91 million.

Paul Haraka, the company's Chief Business Officer, emphasized to FT, "Natural hydrogen has low carbon emissions and requires less land, water, and energy," calling it "a special opportunity to produce clean hydrogen."

Natural hydrogen exploration is also underway domestically. Korea National Oil Corporation announced that in April last year, it installed measuring devices at five locations nationwide, confirmed hydrogen generation for the first time in Korea, and is currently conducting detailed analysis. They also plan to actively utilize hydrogen exploration and monitoring technology to discover promising areas across the country.