HomeEverythingEducation
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
Story archiveAll categories
← All Stories

Vast underground hydrogen reserves could power Earth for 170,000 years

Created at 1 Jun · 9:18 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Vast reserves of naturally occurring underground hydrogen could potentially power Earth for 170,000 years. Despite its potential for decarbonization, green hydrogen production remains expensive and inefficient, accounting for less than 1% of U.S. hydrogen production.

✉Newsletter

PiQ Daily

Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.

Key Numbers

170,000 yearspotential duration of Earth's power from underground hydrogen
less than 1%percentage of U.S. hydrogen production that is green

↳ Why This Matters

Green hydrogen is frequently discussed as a key component in the transition away from fossil fuels, particularly for industries that are difficult to electrify. Its ability to burn cleanly, producing only water, makes it an attractive alternative. However, significant economic and efficiency hurdles have prevented its widespread adoption.

Key facts

  • Naturally occurring underground hydrogen reserves could power Earth for 170,000 years.
  • Green hydrogen is seen as a solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors.
  • Green hydrogen can be combusted cleanly, producing only water vapor.
  • Green hydrogen currently represents less than 1% of U.S. hydrogen production.
  • Producing green hydrogen is expensive and often inefficient.

Green hydrogen is frequently discussed as a key component in the transition away from fossil fuels, particularly for industries that are difficult to electrify. Its ability to burn cleanly, producing only water, makes it an attractive alternative. However, significant economic and efficiency hurdles have prevented its widespread adoption.

Frequently asked questions

Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. It is considered a clean fuel because its combustion produces only water vapor.

The production of green hydrogen is currently expensive and often an inefficient use of clean energy resources, which limits its widespread adoption.

Vast reserves of naturally occurring underground hydrogen have been identified, which could potentially supply energy for an estimated 170,000 years.

Get the newsletter.

Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.

Cadence
CME Headlines
  • Live Cattle futures fell as liquidation trend extended.
    8 Jul · 8:17 PM
  • Live Cattle futures fell as liquidation trend extended.
    8 Jul · 8:17 PM
  • Grain futures turned lower as wheat snapped six-day rally.
    8 Jul · 8:06 PM

How It Developed

1 Jun · 9:00 PM
Naturally occurring hydrogen gas found underground could potentially power Earth for 170,000 years.
OilPrice.com Updates daily via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
There's Enough Hydrogen Underground to Power Earth for 170,000 Yearsm.piqsuite.com

Related Stories

Chevron licenses chemical tech to rivals to boost shale oil output
8 Jul · 12:04 PM
EU faces tougher gas storage refill task as winter looms and high prices bite
8 Jul · 12:55 PM
India mandates E20 biofuel blend, sparking driver anger and efficiency concerns
8 Jul · 10:35 PM
Explainer: Risks of LNG tanker explosion after Strait of Hormuz attack
8 Jul · 11:40 AM
Itochu, Daikin to Recycle Aluminum from Air Conditioners
8 Jul · 9:15 AM