đź•’ Last updated on September 8, 2025
Scientists have discovered massive reserves of naturally occurring hydrogen, with up to 46 billion tons believed to be trapped underground. This “white hydrogen” forms naturally when water reacts with iron-rich rocks deep in the Earth’s crust. Unlike other hydrogen types, it could be extracted cheaply—possibly for as little as one dollar—making it a potential game-changer in the move away from fossil fuels.
What is white hydrogen, and why is it special?
White hydrogen is different from the types of hydrogen we often hear about, such as gray hydrogen or green hydrogen.
- Gray hydrogen is produced from natural gas or coal, but it creates large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
- Green hydrogen is made using renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. While it is clean, the process is expensive and requires advanced infrastructure.
White hydrogen, on the other hand, is created naturally inside the Earth. When underground water meets iron-rich rocks, the iron begins to corrode, releasing hydrogen in the process. This hydrogen collects in pockets and reservoirs within the Earth’s crust.
The discovery of these reserves is not new, but the true scale has only recently been revealed. Geological surveys suggest that billions of tons of hydrogen are trapped underground. One specific deposit in Europe’s Lorraine region alone is estimated to contain 46 billion tons, which is more than half of the hydrogen currently produced worldwide each year.
What makes this type of hydrogen so attractive is that it requires very little processing compared to other forms. Once extracted, it can be used as a clean energy source with minimal environmental impact.
The new extraction method could cost just one dollar
The greatest challenge with white hydrogen is not its existence but how to extract it efficiently and cheaply. Traditionally, digging into deep rock formations is costly and requires complex drilling technologies. However, scientists are experimenting with new ways to make this process far more affordable.
One of the most promising methods involves using a simple carbon-based material to pull hydrogen out of the rocks. Researchers believe this material, which costs only around one dollar, could unlock hydrogen in a way that avoids high energy costs.
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Early laboratory tests show encouraging results. Scientists have demonstrated that by applying this material and certain electrochemical processes, hydrogen can be separated from rocks and water underground. The approach is still in its testing phase, but if successful, it could provide a breakthrough in the hunt for low-cost clean energy.
To speed up progress, the United States has already set aside millions in funding to explore and optimize underground hydrogen production. The aim is to make the extraction process cost-effective while ensuring it can be scaled up for global use.
This one-dollar method is drawing worldwide attention because of its potential to deliver massive amounts of hydrogen without the heavy financial burden that has held back other technologies.
Global Interest in Massive Reserves
The discovery of enormous white hydrogen deposits has sparked interest around the world. Countries with iron-rich geological formations are racing to assess whether similar reserves exist beneath their soil.
France has emerged as one of the most significant locations, thanks to its 46-billion-ton deposit in Lorraine. Scientists believe this underground treasure could provide fuel supplies for decades, dramatically reducing the need for coal, oil, or natural gas.
The self-generating nature of these reserves adds to their promise. Once tapped, the reaction between water and rocks may continue to produce hydrogen naturally, creating a sustainable cycle of fuel supply. This feature sets white hydrogen apart from fossil fuels, which are finite and deplete with use.
Across the Atlantic, American researchers are intensifying their studies to evaluate how much hydrogen might lie beneath U.S. soil. Geological evidence suggests there may be substantial reserves waiting to be discovered. The focus now is on mapping these underground pockets and finding safe and affordable ways to access them.
The global energy industry is paying close attention. If these natural hydrogen reserves can be harnessed, they could supply clean fuel at an unprecedented scale, reshaping how nations generate power, run industries, and transport goods. The excitement surrounding white hydrogen lies not only in its size but also in its potential to provide energy with minimal environmental damage.