Natural hydrogen (known as white hydrogen, geologic hydrogen,[1]geogenic hydrogen,[2] or gold hydrogen), is hydrogen that is formed by natural processes[3][4] (as opposed to hydrogen produced in a laboratory or in industry). By contrast green hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources, while grey, brown, blue or black hydrogen are obtained from fossil fuels.[5]
Natural hydrogen may be renewable, it is non-polluting, and may offer lower costs than industrial hydrogen.[6] Natural hydrogen has been identified in many source rocks in areas beyond the sedimentary basins where oil companies typically operate.[7][8][9]
^La rédaction: Hydrogène naturel : une source potentielle d'énergie renouvelable. In: La Revue des Transitions. 7 November 2019, retrieved 17 January 2022 (in French).
^Deville, Eric; Prinzhofer, Alain (November 2016). "The origin of N2-H2-CH4-rich natural gas seepages in ophiolitic context: A major and noble gases study of fluid seepages in New Caledonia". Chemical Geology. 440: 139–147. Bibcode:2016ChGeo.440..139D. doi:10.1016/j.chemgeo.2016.06.011.
^Gregory Paita, Master Thesis, Engie & Université de Montpellier.