White Hydrogen: Sources, Advantages, Implications, Significance - UPSC Notes

White hydrogen is a naturally emerging form of hydrogen gas. It is discovered deep underground. It develops through natural procedures like the reaction of water with specific rocks, particularly iron-rich ones, unlike other kinds of hydrogen. It does not require industrial production and emits no carbon dioxide. It is a pure and renewable energy source with terrific possibilities for the future.

This topic is related to the General Studies Paper III, which covers White hydrogen, Renewable Energy and Energy Sources, natural hydrogen or geologic hydrogen in prelims. Science & Technology, Earth Science, Environmental Studies in mains. Join UPSC Coaching today to boost your preparation. 

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Why in the News?

France made a breakthrough in clean energy by discovering a vast reserve of natural hydrogen in Folschviller, Moselle. This reserve is estimated to hold 46 million tons of "white hydrogen," a naturally occurring gas that offers a sustainable option to conventional hydrogen production techniques.

What is White Hydrogen?

White hydrogen is a naturally emerging form of hydrogen discovered in the Earth's crust. Unlike other types of hydrogen, it needs no industrial production. This means it emits no carbon dioxide when used as fuel. White hydrogen is also known as natural, gold, or geologic hydrogen. Its discovery challenges the belief that hydrogen must be manufactured in laboratories. White hydrogen deposits have been found in Africa, Spain, France, Oman, the USA and Australia.

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White Hydrogen sources and Uses

White hydrogen sources are natural underground reserves. Where hydrogen originates through geological processes like water-rock reactions and volcanic activity, these sources do not need human-made production techniques and are carbon-free. Sources of white hydrogen include:

• Degassing of deep hydrogen from Earth's crust and mantle.
• The reaction of water with ultrabasic rocks (serpentinisation).
• Water is in contact with reducing agents in Earth's mantle.
• Weathering – water in contact with freshly exposed rock surfaces.
• Decomposition of hydroxyl ions in the structure of minerals.
• Natural water radiolysis.
• Decomposition of organic matter.
• Biological activity.
• White hydrogen is used as a clean fuel in hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles and electricity generation. 
• It is also used in industries like steel, cement, and fertilizer production. Additionally, it serves as a long-term energy storage option and supports clean aviation and shipping.

Advantages of White Hydrogen

White hydrogen presents several benefits over blue, grey, and green hydrogen. It is environmentally pleasant as it has no CO₂ emissions. It is compatible with existing hydrogen infrastructure. Also, it is cost-effective, estimated at $1 per kilogram, compared to green hydrogen, which costs around $6 per kilogram. Its quantity makes it a renewable energy source.

• Environmentally pleasant – White hydrogen has no CO₂ emissions.
• Infrastructure compatible – It functions with the existing hydrogen infrastructure.
• Cost-effective – Calculated cost is around $1 per kilogram, compared to $6 per kilogram for green hydrogen.
• Renewable – Naturally available in large quantities, it is a renewable energy source.

Global Potential of White Hydrogen

The potential for white hydrogen is huge. Deposits have been recognised in nations such as the United States, Australia, and Russia. Globally, estimates indicate there could be tens of billions of tons of white hydrogen available. This discovery could influence industries like shipping, aviation, and steel production, which are looking for more hygienic energy options.

• Huge potential – White hydrogen has extensive global possibility as a pure energy source.
• Discovered in many nations – Deposits recognised in the United States, Australia, and Russia.
• Large reserves – Global estimates indicate tens of billions of tons of white hydrogen may exist.
• Industrial impact – It can convert energy use in aviation, shipping, and steel production, seeking cleaner fuel alternatives.

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Hydrogen exists in different forms, each with varying methods of production and environmental effects. Grey hydrogen is made from fossil fuels and is carbon-intensive. Blue hydrogen also derives from fossil fuels but includes carbon capture technologies. Green hydrogen is developed through electrolysis powered by renewable energy. In contrast, white hydrogen offers a more sustainable solution by stopping the demand for production functions.

Implications for the Energy Sector

The discovery of white hydrogen is balanced to convert the energy landscape. It provides a feasible and eco-friendly energy source that could decrease dependence on fossil fuels. The implications extend beyond energy production to include advancements in technology and infrastructure that can adjust to this new resource.

White Hydrogen - Significance

White hydrogen is significant because it offers a clean, naturally occurring energy source with zero carbon emissions. It supports global efforts to combat climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Nature of White Hydrogen

• Natural hydrogen, also known as white or gold hydrogen, happens naturally on or within the Earth's surface, distinguishing it from laboratory-produced or industrial hydrogen.

• Although ample in the universe, it naturally exists in combination with other molecules.

Potential Applications in Industries

• White hydrogen's discovery has implications for different industries, including aviation, shipping, and steel-making, as it can serve as a clean energy source.

Global Implications and Utilization of White Hydrogen

• Organizations like Gold Hydrogen in Australia and Koloma in the US are actively involved in extracting and utilizing white hydrogen for various energy applications.

• The increasing focus on white hydrogen highlights its potential to revolutionize the energy sector.

Origins and Sources of Natural Hydrogen

• Different natural procedures contribute to the appearance of natural hydrogen, including degassing from the Earth's crust and mantle, reactions with rocks, and interactions with water and minerals.

• The involvement of biological activities, radiolysis, and decomposition processes in the generation of natural hydrogen from organic matter and mineral structures.

Reserves and Global Distribution

• Significant reservoirs of natural hydrogen have been recognized in various countries, including France, Mali, the United States, and Russia, although accurate assessment of their potential remains challenging.

• The challenges associated with extracting natural hydrogen from various geological environments, including those on the ocean floor and within sedimentary basins.

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