Occurrences and Perspectives of Natural Hydrogen Extraction: The Brazilian Context

Vitória Felicio Dornelas (), Andreas Nascimento (), Diunay Zuliani Mantegazini, Electo Eduardo Silva Lora, Edson da Costa Bortoni and Mohd Amro
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Vitória Felicio Dornelas: School of Engineering and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Guaratinguetá 12516-410, Brazil
Andreas Nascimento: School of Engineering and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Guaratinguetá 12516-410, Brazil
Diunay Zuliani Mantegazini: School of Engineering and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Guaratinguetá 12516-410, Brazil
Electo Eduardo Silva Lora: Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Edson da Costa Bortoni: Institute of Electrical Systems and Energy, Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
Mohd Amro: Institute of Drilling Engineering and Fluid Mining, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 11, 1-22

Abstract: 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 Ceará. 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.

Keywords: drilling; extraction; geological hydrogen; natural hydrogen; database (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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