Occurrences and Perspectives of Natural Hydrogen Extraction: The Brazilian Context

Autor(es)

Dornelas, Vitoria Felicio ; Nascimento, Andreas ; Mantegazini, Diunay Zuliani ; Lora, Electo Eduardo Silva ; Bortoni, Edson da Costa ; Amro, Mohd

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ENERGIES; v. 18, n. 11, p. 22-pg., 2025-05-30.

Resumo

The global energy matrix needs to undergo considerable changes to achieve the clean and affordable energy target as per the Sustainable Development Goals determined by the United Nations (UN) by 2030. Hydrogen has stood out worldwide as a potential substitute for current non-renewable sources. Once thought to be minor, if not non-existent, natural hydrogen is now becoming a more significant alternative that is being explored. Natural hydrogen can be obtained from subsurface rocks by the generation process of serpentinization, radiolysis, rock fracturing, or magma degassing, using extraction technology similar to that already used in the oil and gas industries. Thus, the goal of this research was to perform a consistent technical-scientific and bibliometric review of natural hydrogen, presenting the Brazilian context. The results showed that from 2017 onwards, there has been an increase in research publications related to the topic. France is the country with the most publications. In Brazil, the potential of natural hydrogen sources has been studied in states such as Goias, Tocantins, Minas Gerais, Roraima, Bahia, and Cear & aacute;. It is still difficult to predict the potential cost of natural hydrogen production. However, estimates through the Hydroma company show a cost of 0.5 USD/kg, and Australia and Spain target price projects at approximately 1 USD/kg of natural decarbonization could be aided by natural hydrogen, which could supply the world's energy needs for generations. Geological processes, reserve behavior, and the efficiency of extraction are among the unknowns, though. Brazil requires a strong regulatory framework and additional research. For exploration to be sustainable, cooperation between the government, businesses, and society is essential. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 24/10600-0 - PRH 34.1-ANP Programa interdepartamental de formação de recursos humanos com ênfase em exploração e produção de petróleo e gás natural em campos de recursos não convencionais e campos maduros.
• Beneficiário: Mauro Hugo Mathias
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular