Source: TN
Context: France has discovered the world’s largest white hydrogen deposit in the Moselle region, estimated at 46 million tons, valued at $92 trillion.
- Found beneath the soil of Folschviller in the Moselle region.
About White Hydrogen:
- What it is:
- White hydrogen is naturally occurring pure hydrogen found underground, formed due to geological reactions. It emerges when minerals react with water deep beneath the Earth’s crust.
- Key Features:
- Zero-emission: It occurs naturally without requiring industrial production, avoiding CO₂ emissions.
- Low cost: White hydrogen production costs around $1 per kilogram, making it highly affordable.
- Renewable source: White hydrogen constantly regenerates within the Earth, unlike exhaustible fossil fuels.
- Combustion output: When used as fuel, white hydrogen produces only water vapor after combustion.
- Significance:
-
- Clean energy alternative: Can reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heavy industries like aviation, shipping, and steel.
- Energy security: Potential game-changer for energy independence in hydrogen-importing countries.
- Cost-effectiveness: Could significantly lower global hydrogen prices compared to synthetic alternatives.
- Sustainability: Supports climate action with its low carbon footprint and renewable nature.
- Limitations:
-
- Exploration difficulty: Hard to locate deposits due to specific geological conditions.
- Environmental risks: Potential hydrogen leakage could disrupt greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
- Storage and transport challenges: Requires extremely low liquefaction temperatures (-253°C) and robust pipelines.
- Regulatory barriers: Absence of clear guidelines for extraction and safe handling.
