USGS releases ‘first-ever’ map of potential for geologic hydrogen

The USGS highlighted the importance of the map in showing that several parts of the US could have a subsurface hydrogen resource “after all”.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has published the first map of the prospective locations of naturally-occurring geologic hydrogen resources in the United States.

USGS says the map is the “first of its kind at continental scale anywhere”, which shows likely underground areas to tap for geologic hydrogen.

The map holds significance as it was previously thought that naturally occurring hydrogen did not accumulate in sufficient quantities to be used for energy purposes.

Areas of interest that have the potential to hold accumulations of geologic hydrogen include the states of Kansas, Iowa, Utah, and areas along the Eastern seaboard.

Sarah Ryker, USGS associate director for energy and minerals, said: “For decades, the conventional wisdom was that naturally occurring hydrogen did not accumulate in sufficient quantities to be used for energy purposes.”

The map, which will be updated in tandem with scientific progress and exploration, is an “important first step” in understanding a resource with potential to be a significant future energy resource for the US.

Ms Ryker added: “This map is tantalising because it shows that several parts of the US could have a subsurface hydrogen resource after all.”

In its release, USGS said that while there remains “considerable uncertainty” about the extent to which geologic hydrogen can contribute to meeting future energy demand, it has the potential to “provide low-cost feedstock for critical chemicals and help decarbonise the energy sector.”