Researchers from the Tokyo University of Science have developed palladium-based electrocatalysts as an alternative to the expensive platinum-based catalysts in an effort to make large-scale hydrogen production more affordable
In particular, scientists developed palladium-based nanosheet electrocatalysts, which are as effective as platinum-based catalysts, while the use of precious metals like platinum is minimised, the university said.
Catalysts facilitate the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), the chemical reaction which forms hydrogen during the electrolysis process.
As a next step, the research team plans to further optimise the discovery to enable commercialisation.
According to the university, the replacement of platinum with the novel nanosheets is expected "to produce great outcomes in automobiles, hydrogen production, and electrode-supplying industries". The innovation may have applications in industrial hydrogen production, hydrogen fuel cells, and large-scale energy storage systems.
On May 15, 2023, researchers from France announced the discovery of a massive natural hydrogen reserve in the Moselle region’s Lorraine mining basin. This deposit, estimated at 46 million tons, has drawn attention as one of the world’s most significant finds of “white hydrogen” to date. Buried deep underground at depths of 1,093 to potentially 3,000 meters, the deposit is part of the Carboniferous aquifer and demonstrates substantial concentrations of naturally occurring hydrogen.
This discovery is not just about France; it represents a possible game-changer for the clean energy landscape. White hydrogen offers a naturally occurring, carbon-free energy source waiting to be extracted, unlike green or gray hydrogen, which require energy-intensive production methods. Exploration of white hydrogen worldwide could reveal more untapped potential and redefine sustainable energy systems.
Natural Hydrogen Around the World
While France’s discovery is groundbreaking, it is part of a broader exploration of natural hydrogen reserves globally. For example, Mali has been extracting white hydrogen since 1987, with a site in Bourakébougou becoming a model for sustainable usage. Research has also identified potential reserves in Australia, Eastern Europe, and parts of the United States, particularly in areas with ancient rock formations or tectonic activity.
The discovery in Lorraine adds critical data to the growing understanding of how hydrogen naturally forms in the Earth’s crust. These findings have encouraged geologists to expand surveys in regions where similar reserves might exist, signaling a new era for clean energy exploration.
Timeline of Natural Hydrogen Discoveries
1930s – South Australia
During oil exploration in Adelaide, drillers encountered vast amounts of high-purity hydrogen. At the time, this naturally occurring hydrogen was dismissed as a useless byproduct of oil drilling. No efforts were made to capture or utilize it.
1987 – Bourakébougou, Mali
A worker in the village of Bourakébougou accidentally discovered natural hydrogen when a water well ignited as he lit a cigarette nearby. This led to the realization that the well was emitting hydrogen gas. A local entrepreneur capitalized on this discovery, and the site became the world’s first economically viable hydrogen well. The hydrogen extracted from this well has since been used to generate electricity for the village.
2008 – Russia
A significant natural hydrogen deposit was identified in Russia, suggesting that geological environments could host extractable hydrogen reserves. This discovery spurred further interest in exploring hydrogen-rich geological formations.
2023 – Lorraine, France
On May 15, 2023, researchers from the Geo-Resources laboratory and CNRS announced the discovery of a massive natural hydrogen deposit in the Lorraine mining basin, Moselle region. Estimated at 46 million tons, this deposit is one of the largest known reserves of white hydrogen. The hydrogen was found at depths ranging from 1,093 meters to potentially 3,000 meters, with concentrations as high as 98% in deeper layers. This discovery has positioned France as a leader in the exploration of natural hydrogen.
2024 – South Australia
Gold Hydrogen, an Australian company, reported the discovery of natural hydrogen with a purity of up to 95.8% at drill sites in South Australia. This find also included helium, a valuable byproduct. The company described the reserves as “enormous,” further solidifying South Australia’s role in the global hydrogen landscape.
2024 – Rukwa, Tanzania
A natural deposit of hydrogen and helium was discovered in the Rukwa region of Tanzania. This find has added to the growing list of African countries with significant hydrogen reserves, following Mali’s earlier success.
2024 – Bulqizë, Albania
Another major hydrogen deposit was identified in Bulqizë, Albania. This discovery highlights the potential for further exploration in Europe, particularly in regions with favorable geological conditions.
Global Context and Future Potential
Natural hydrogen, also known as white or gold hydrogen, is increasingly recognized as a clean and sustainable energy source. It forms through natural processes such as serpentinization (a reaction between water and ultramafic rocks), radiolysis (natural electrolysis), and the decomposition of organic matter. These processes occur in specific geological settings, such as ancient rock formations, tectonic fault lines, and areas with volcanic activity.
Key Locations with Potential
United States: The Midcontinent Rift System is being explored for its potential to host hydrogen-rich rocks. This region could also support carbon-negative hydrogen production by combining hydrogen extraction with carbon sequestration.
Africa: Beyond Mali and Tanzania, other regions with similar geological features are being surveyed for hydrogen reserves.
Europe: France’s discovery has spurred interest in other parts of the continent, including the Alps and Pyrenees, which are believed to have suitable geological conditions.
Australia: With its history of hydrogen discoveries, Australia remains a key player in the exploration and development of natural hydrogen.
Why These Discoveries Matter
Natural hydrogen offers a carbon-free energy source that requires minimal processing compared to green or gray hydrogen. It eliminates the need for energy-intensive electrolysis or fossil fuel-based production, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. With an estimated 5 trillion tons of natural hydrogen reserves globally, even a small fraction of this resource could meet humanity’s energy needs for centuries
This timeline underscores the growing importance of natural hydrogen as a clean energy source and highlights the global efforts to explore and utilize this resource. Let me know if you’d like further details or additional insights!
How Natural Hydrogen Is Extracted
Extracting white hydrogen is somewhat similar to methods used for gas and oil. Wells are drilled into the ground to access underground reservoirs where hydrogen has accumulated. The process requires specialized equipment designed for deep drilling, such as rotary drilling rigs capable of penetrating thousands of meters below the surface.
Once the hydrogen is reached, sensors gauge its concentration and purity levels. The gas is then piped to the surface and stored in secure facilities. To safely transport hydrogen at scale, pipelines specifically designed to handle its small molecular size are needed, as hydrogen can permeate materials used for conventional pipelines.
While promising, the extraction process requires careful planning to ensure sustainability. Over-extraction risks depleting the resource too quickly, and leaks can pose safety challenges due to hydrogen’s highly flammable nature. Developing technologies to safely monitor and manage these systems is critical to successful implementation.
Equipment Required for Hydrogen Extraction
The extraction process entails advanced machinery and technology. Key equipment includes:
Rotary Drilling Rigs:These machines dig into the Earth’s crust to access hydrogen-rich rock layers.
Reservoir Sensors:Devices monitor hydrogen concentrations in real time, ensuring effective extraction.
Gas Separation Units:Systems that isolate hydrogen from other gases for collection and use.
Hydrogen Transport Pipelines:Specialized pipelines or tanker systems ensure the safe and efficient movement of hydrogen from extraction sites to storage or application facilities.
Investing in robust tools and infrastructure is vital to scaling up hydrogen extraction sustainably.
The Benefits and Challenges of White Hydrogen
Benefits:
Carbon-Free Energy:White hydrogen is a naturally occurring, emission-free energy source.
Cost-Effective Supply:Unlike green hydrogen, there’s no need for renewable electricity to produce it. Its availability in natural reservoirs reduces production costs.
Support for Energy Transitions:This resource provides an alternative to gray hydrogen, enabling industries to decarbonize without significant investments in energy infrastructure.
Challenges:
Finite Resources:Deposits are not infinite, and poorly managed extraction could lead to premature depletion.
Safety Concerns:Hydrogen’s flammability requires meticulous safety measures during extraction, storage, and transport.
Geological Uncertainty:Mapping and confirming deposits involve complex geological studies that can be both time- and resource-intensive.
Balancing the benefits with effective solutions to these challenges is crucial for tapping into white hydrogen’s potential while ensuring safety and long-term availability.
Where Future Discoveries Might Occur
France’s findings have spurred interest in locating white hydrogen deposits in other parts of the world. Candidates for exploration include regions with specific geological characteristics, such as ancient rock systems, active fault lines, or areas where serpentinization (a chemical process that releases hydrogen) is active.
Africa, particularly Mali, continues to yield promising results. Australia is exploring possible reserves in areas with volcanic activity, while parts of North America are being examined for their potential hydrogen-rich geological structures. Expanding exploration techniques and investment in global surveys could uncover additional reserves, providing a pivotal move toward cleaner energy systems.
Applying White Hydrogen Technology Today
The transition to a hydrogen-based energy system won’t happen overnight, but white hydrogen offers a unique opportunity to scale up its use immediately. Adapting existing technologies from the oil and gas industries allows for a relatively quick pivot to hydrogen extraction. Pilot projects can help develop best practices and refine engineering solutions for efficient resource management.
White hydrogen also serves as an essential backup for renewable energy systems. It can store excess energy from solar and wind power and release it when demand exceeds supply. Industries like transportation could also benefit by adopting hydrogen fuel cells, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Transforming the Energy Landscape
Natural hydrogenis one of the most exciting prospects in the clean energy space, offering an abundant, low-cost, and emission-free energy source. The discovery in Lorraine exemplifies what could be possible with continued investment and research into this resource. By integrating white hydrogen as part of a broader energy strategy, we can take meaningful steps toward decarbonizing the global economy.
Harnessing this resource, however, depends on balancing its immediate benefits with proactive, sustainable practices. Governments, industries, and researchers must collaborate to create a path that maximizes hydrogen’s potential while safeguarding its longevity. With the right approach, white hydrogen could play a critical role in shaping a cleaner, greener future.
Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI), and key technology partners have celebrated the completion of a joint project to develop hydrogen internal combustion engine technology for commercial vehicles.
Cummins led a consortium of technology companies; Johnson Matthey, PHINIA and Zircotec in ‘Project Brunel’, to successfully deliver a 6.7-litre hydrogen internal combustion engine (H2-ICE) for medium-duty trucks and buses. The project was match-funded by UK Government, and facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC).
Together, the project partners developed a hydrogen internal combustion engine concept based on Cummins’ proven spark-ignited engine platform. Underpinned by new hydrogen fuel injection technology from PHINIA, after-treatment catalyst and advanced metals chemistry development from Johnson Matthey, and hydrogen barrier coatings from Zircotec, Project Brunel has delivered significant improvements in H2-ICE engine performance and durability.
Using zero-carbon hydrogen fuel and equipped with an after-treatment system, the 6.7-litre engine delivers a more than 99% reduction in tailpipe carbon emissions and ultra-low NOx, compared to the current diesel engine standard (Euro VI). Hydrogen internal combustion engine technology is widely seen as a viable path to reducing the air quality impact of heavier-duty or longer-range applications.
Jonathan Atkinson, Executive Director - Product Strategy at Cummins, said:
“Project Brunel highlights the power of collaboration between industry leaders and underscores our ongoing commitment to industry decarbonisation. This project has successfully delivered a viable, familiar power option that meets the operating requirements of today’s commercial vehicles - with zero-carbon fuel, and without the need for a complete vehicle redesign. This is a major achievement for Cummins Darlington, and for the UK’s hydrogen technology leadership. We hope the Government recognises this technology’s potential for commercial vehicles beyond 2035 and 2040, to align regulation with other major global markets.”
At an event held today at Cummins’ Darlington, UK facility, Cummins, Johnson Matthey, PHINIA and Zircotec presented key learnings and discussed how H2-ICE technology can meet the efficiency, performance and carbon emissions reductions required to accelerate the decarbonisation of commercial vehicles.
Matt Shillito, Senior Project Delivery Lead, the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), said:
“Project Brunel has built on the UK’s already world-leading capability in manufacturing engines and associated systems and has shown how this industry sector and the skilled jobs it supports can evolve to provide new solutions using zero-carbon hydrogen fuel. These products together can help accelerate the decarbonisation journey for vehicle operators.
The project investment from the Department for Business and Trade, delivered through the APC, offered a significant opportunity for the UK to create a high-value H2-ICE manufacturing base and a competitive export business. It has been a pleasure working with the consortium on this project, and we look forward to seeing success in the market for all the partners.”
Tauseef Salma, Chief Technology Officer - Clean Air at Johnson Matthey, said:
“H2-ICE is a ready to go, near net zero option in the powertrain toolbox to decarbonise the medium and heavy-duty transport sector. JM proudly pioneered automotive emissions control catalysts and has since invested decades of research and development into minimising harmful pollutants that enter the atmosphere. We are proud to have applied this expertise in Project Brunel which demonstrates how the industry can come together to increase the commercial viability of H2-ICE technology."
Dr. Simon Godwin, Vice President of Government Affairs at PHINIA, commented:
“Project Brunel has enabled us to accelerate the development of hydrogen injectors by cooperation with industry peers and by leveraging our own investment with government support. The project strengthens the UK ecosystem for hydrogen combustion engines and promotes the development and manufacture of this important decarbonisation technology in the UK.”
While the 6.7-litre engine was developed for medium-duty vehicles, the design is scalable to heavy-duty applications, including non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) such as construction and agricultural equipment. Cummins is already developing a 15-litre hydrogen internal combustion engine for heavy-duty vehicles.
Cummins recently invested more than £13 million in a new Powertrain Test Facility at its Darlington Campus, which expands the company’s test capabilities to include full powertrains powered by advanced diesel, natural gas, hydrogen and battery electric technologies for multiple industries.
