Vast hydrogen reserves discovered in Earth’s crust could power the planet for 170,000 years

A groundbreaking study has uncovered staggering reserve of natural hydrogen hidden deep within the Earth’s continental crust, a potential energy jackpot that could power humanity for the next 170,000 years. Researchers from the University of Oxford, Durham University, and the University of Toronto have found that this naturally occurring hydrogen could be tapped as a clean, long-term energy source. As the world races to replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions, this discovery could revolutionise global energy systems and mark a major turning point in the quest for sustainable power.Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel that emits only water when used, making it a key component in global climate strategies. It's already critical in industries like fertiliser production, and its role is expanding into transportation, electricity, and energy storage. However, most of today’s hydrogen is made from fossil fuels, which cancels out its green potential. That is why naturally occurring hydrogen, also called “white hydrogen,” is such a game-changer. It skips the emissions and could be harvested with minimal environmental impact.The hydrogen isn’t sitting in obvious gas pockets like oil or natural gas. It’s trapped within the Earth’s continental crust and slowly released over time by reactions between water and iron-rich rocks. Scientists have now mapped out regions, such as the Canadian Shield, where hydrogen naturally seeps to the surface. The new study suggests such areas could be far more widespread than previously thought, opening up the possibility of finding similar hydrogen sources across the globe.Yes, but it’s not as simple as drilling and pumping. Tapping into natural hydrogen requires a new kind of exploration strategy that includes understanding how the gas forms, where it migrates, and how it stays trapped underground. Scientists are now developing methods to locate and safely extract it, similar to how we already extract helium. The potential is huge, but success depends on identifying areas where hydrogen accumulates in amounts that are economically viable.One surprising challenge is bacteria. Some underground microbes actually consume hydrogen as food, which means these natural gas pockets can vanish over time. To keep the hydrogen usable, explorers must find places where it is protected from microbial life. There is also the need for technology, investment, and regulation to support this emerging energy frontier. While the science is promising, the path to large-scale use will require significant development and testing.Potentially, yes. If these underground hydrogen stores can be reliably located and harvested, they offer a low-carbon, long-term energy supply that could help replace fossil fuels. According to the study, this source alone could meet global hydrogen demand for hundreds of thousands of years. With global hydrogen use projected to grow sixfold by 2050, natural hydrogen could fill a major gap in the clean energy transition.The research team behind this discovery has already formed a company, Snowfox Discovery Ltd., to begin the search for usable hydrogen reserves. Combining geological expertise and satellite data, their mission is to find viable hydrogen accumulations that can be developed commercially. Their efforts represent a promising new chapter in the global search for clean energy.