Scientists Uncover Vast Deposits of 'White Hydrogen' Could Power Earth for 170,000 Years

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found extensive reserves of natural hydrogen, termed "white hydrogen," buried deep within the Earth's continental crust. This finding, which could provide clean energy for up to 170,000 years, was made by an international team from the University of Oxford, Durham University, and the University of Toronto, as reported on May 19, 2025.

Unlike conventional hydrogen produced through fossil fuel processes that emit greenhouse gases, white hydrogen occurs naturally and is extracted without pollution. Scientists emphasized its potential to revolutionize energy independence, marking a significant step towards combating climate change.

The deposits are not located in vast underground lakes, but rather form slowly through chemical reactions over millennia. Initial mapping has identified hydrogen seeps in Canada’s Canadian Shield, suggesting that similar geological processes could yield more hydrogen reserves globally.

To harness this resource, researchers are developing advanced technologies for mapping and extraction, while also confronting challenges, such as hydrogen-consuming bacteria. A new company, Snowfox Discovery Ltd, has been established to commercialize these efforts, underscoring the potential impact of this discovery on global energy demands and sustainability.