Why In News?

University of Toronto scientists discovered that billion-year-old Canadian Shield rocks could yield over 140 tonnes of natural white hydrogen annually.   

What is White Hydrogen?

White hydrogen, also called natural or geologic hydrogen, refers to naturally occurring hydrogen gas found in Earth's subsurface, unlike hydrogen produced through conventional industrial processes.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) defines geologic hydrogen as hydrogen gas naturally found below Earth's surface, also referred to as "white" or "gold" hydrogen.

 

How is White Hydrogen Formed?

  • Serpentinization: Hydrogen is generated when water reacts with iron-rich rocks, a natural geochemical process occurring over geological timescales.

  • Radiolysis: Natural radioactivity within rocks can break down water molecules, releasing hydrogen gas.

  • These processes occur continuously in ancient, iron-rich crystalline rock formations like the Canadian Shield, explaining the sustained, decade-long discharge observed at Timmins.

How is White Hydrogen Different from Other Hydrogen Types?

  • Grey hydrogen: Produced from fossil fuels (mainly natural gas) without carbon capture — the most carbon-intensive form.

  • Blue hydrogen: Produced similarly to grey hydrogen but with carbon capture and storage to reduce emissions.

  • Green hydrogen: Produced via electrolysis of water using renewable electricity — currently the leading zero-carbon hydrogen pathway.

  • White hydrogen: Occurs naturally underground, requiring no industrial production process or electrolysis — it only needs to be located and extracted, similar to natural gas exploration.

Significance of White Hydrogen 

  • It represents a potential low-carbon energy source that doesn't require the electricity-intensive electrolysis process used for green hydrogen.

  • It could help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and diversify the hydrogen supply chain.

  • Hydrogen is already a critical industrial feedstock, particularly for refining, steel and fertiliser production.

  • For remote or northern communities and mining operations, on-site white hydrogen could reduce costs and carbon footprints associated with transporting conventional fuel over long distances.

Potential Applications

  • Green steel production, reducing reliance on coal-based processes.

  • Fertiliser production, since hydrogen is a key input for ammonia synthesis.

  • Methanol production and oil refining, both currently dependent on grey hydrogen.

  • Electricity generation and broader heavy industry decarbonisation.

Source: ECONOMICTIMES

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding 'White Hydrogen':

  1. It is a manufactured form of hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water using nuclear energy.

  2. It occurs naturally in the Earth's subsurface and can be trapped and extracted similarly to natural gas.

  3. Its extraction and use as a fuel release zero carbon dioxide emissions.  

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: White hydrogen is not manufactured. It is a term used for naturally occurring hydrogen found in the Earth's crust. Hydrogen produced through water electrolysis using nuclear energy is called Pink Hydrogen (sometimes referred to as Purple or Red hydrogen).  

Statement 2 is correct: White hydrogen forms naturally in the Earth's subsurface through geochemical reactions (such as serpentinization or radiolysis of water). It can accumulate in deep geological reservoirs, meaning it can be trapped and extracted using drilling techniques similar to those used for conventional natural gas.

Statement 3 is correct: White hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel. When consumed or used in a fuel cell, its only byproduct is water vapor, releasing zero carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.