White hydrogen

• According to a report in the CNN, in northeastern France, two scientists, Jacques Pironon and Phillipe De Donato, embarked on a mission to assess the amount of methane in the subsoils of the Lorraine mining basin but unexpectedly discovered hydrogen concentrations deep underground.
• Their findings indicated a vast reservoir of hydrogen, potentially one of the largest deposits of white hydrogen ever discovered.

ABOUT WHITE HYDROGEN

• White hydrogen, also known as “natural,” “gold,” or “geologic” hydrogen, is a naturally occurring form of hydrogen found in the Earth’s crust.
• Hydrogen, when burned, only produces water, making it an ideal clean energy source.
• Industries such as aviation, shipping, and steel-making, could benefit from hydrogen as an alternative to renewables like solar and wind.
• However, most commercially produced hydrogen is derived from energy intensive processes powered by fossil fuels.
• The various types of hydrogen are categorized by colors–
  • “grey” from methane gas,
  • “brown” from coal, and
  • “blue” hydrogen, similar to grey but with captured emissions.
  • “Yellow” hydrogen refers to hydrogen that is specifically produced through electrolysis using solar energy.
  • Purple/pink hydrogen is generated from electrolysis using nuclear power.
  • The most eco-friendly is “green” hydrogen, produced using renewable energy to split water.
    • However, its production is limited and costly.
  • White hydrogen has several advantages-
    • Causes no CO₂ emissions when used as a fuel.
    • Is compatible with existing infrastructure and technologies for hydrogen production and utilization.
    • Is cheaper and more efficient than steam reforming or electrolysis.
    • Is abundant and renewable in nature.