This revelation came as they used an advanced probe to assess subterranean gases, a method never before used in such research.

Their specialized probe detected hydrogen concentrations deep below the surface, sparking interest and speculation about its potential.

From a mere 14% at 1,100 meters to an astonishing 20% at 1,250 meters, these findings suggested the presence of a substantial hydrogen reserve, leading to recalculations of the deposit’s potential, which ranged significantly in quantity.

It burns cleanly, producing only water, and is seen as a particularly attractive energy source for heavy industries that renewable sources cannot fully sustain.

The color-coded system of hydrogen types reflects the various production methods and their environmental impacts.

Its discovery has shifted the focus from the limited and costly production of ‘green hydrogen’ to the more abundant natural reserves of ‘white hydrogen,’ which could potentially be harnessed on a larger scale and at a lower cost.

This incident, once revisited and understood, ignited the scientific community’s interest in natural hydrogen sources.

These formations are often indicative of hydrogen presence and have led researchers to discover deposits across the globe, from the United States to Australia.

Even if only a fraction of these reserves is economically viable, the impact on the energy sector and the environment could be substantial.

This corporate interest marks a notable shift towards exploring and potentially commercializing white hydrogen energy.

While startups are optimistic, the road to commercialization involves navigating technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles.

The next steps involve deeper drilling to ascertain the full scope of the hydrogen reserves, a task that symbolizes the region’s possible transition from a coal past to a hydrogen future.