Researchers are exploring mountain ranges as potential sources of geologic hydrogen, a clean energy form generated underground.
According to Frank Zwaan of the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, certain mantle minerals react with water during mountain formation, producing hydrogen in a process called serpentinisation. “Certain minerals react with water and can generate hydrogen like a free green energy source,” he said.
While serpentinisation also occurs at mid-ocean ridges, Zwaan noted hydrogen there is often consumed by bacteria due to lower temperatures. “Nothing wants to live there, so it’s perfect for the hydrogen to be preserved,” he added.
Preliminary findings support this theory. Gianreto Manatschal of the University of Strasbourg confirmed hydrogen formation beneath Switzerland’s Grisons Alps, though the volume is unclear.
Alexandra Robert from the University of Toulouse also reported hydrogen seeping from the northern Pyrenees. Both studies are in early stages.