Unveiling America's Geologic Hydrogen Potential: A Wealth and Energy Revolution
Key Ideas
- USGS discovered geologic hydrogen potential under U.S. soil, with twice the energy of all world's proven natural gas reserves.
- 30 U.S. states, including Midwest, Rocky Mountainous, Four Corners, and Eastern Seaboard regions, show significant geologic hydrogen potential.
- Geologic hydrogen is seen as a clean, renewable, and abundant energy source critical for various industries like energy storage, steel manufacturing, and agriculture.
- Map indicates over $6.2 trillion tons of geologic hydrogen in the U.S., with the potential to provide energy for 200 years, though commercial viability remains uncertain.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has unveiled a groundbreaking discovery of geologic hydrogen potential hidden beneath U.S. soil. The discovery, with twice the energy of all proven natural gas reserves worldwide, presents the U.S. with the opportunity to become a global energy powerhouse. Geologists Geoff Ellis and Sarah Gelman revealed that geologic hydrogen could revolutionize energy production in the country. They developed a methodology to locate geologic hydrogen sources in 30 U.S. states, including Midwest, Rocky Mountainous, Four Corners, and Eastern Seaboard regions. The map by USGS indicates over $6.2 trillion tons of geologic hydrogen, providing energy for 200 years, although commercial viability remains uncertain. Natural hydrogen is considered superior due to its clean and renewable nature, impacting industries like energy storage, steel manufacturing, and agriculture. The discovery marks a shift in thinking about hydrogen as a vital energy resource for the future.