Mountain Ranges Could Hold Untapped Clean Energy Potential

Quick Summary

• Researchers are investigating mountain ranges as potential sources of geologic hydrogen, a clean energy source.
• Minerals from the Earth’s mantle can generate hydrogen through serpentinisation when they come into contact wiht water near the surface.
• Modeling reveals mountains may produce meaningful quantities of hydrogen during their formation and uplift processes.
• Hydrogen generated under mountain ranges could be preserved due to high temperatures where bacteria cannot live, unlike mid-ocean ridges.
• Early findings suggest hydrogen production under the Grisons area in the Alps (Switzerland) and northern Pyrenees (France). However, these studies are still in early stages.

Indian Opinion Analysis
Geologic hydrogen presents an intriguing prospect for diversifying clean energy strategies globally, including in India-a country heavily reliant on fossil fuels but committed to achieving ambitious renewable energy targets. India’s varying topographies, including major mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and Western Ghats, could offer opportunities for exploration if similar geological conditions exist locally. Long-term investment into such research may align with india’s strategic goals of enhancing domestic energy security while staying environmentally enduring. As this technology is nascent, collaboration between Indian research institutes and international partners working on geologic hydrogen can ensure efficient knowledge sharing and exploration methodologies.