Would it be possible for 30 American states to be richer than Dubai? Well, according to a groundbreaking discovery made by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the future of wealth and energy in America could be drastically reshaped. As per the recently published continental-scale map, the U.S. may very well be sitting on a geologic hydrogen goldmine. Making the most of the existing potential would mean converting several states into global energy powerhouses.
The revelation of energy potential in the states
For approximately 10 years, scientists were of the belief that naturally occurring hydrogen could not accumulate in the Earth’s surface. The belief went further to state that if hydrogen did accumulate in the Earth’s surface it was not in quantities large enough to be deemed useful.
This thinking has since shifted due to a discovery that suggests geologic hydrogen potential hidden beneath U.S. soil. In a report published by the USGS geologists, Geoff Ellis and Sarah Gelman, recoverable hydrogen features twice the energy of all the world’s proven natural gas reserves. The findings indicate not just an untapped energy source but an entire layer of untapped energy potential waiting to be utilized. According to Gelman:
“We showed there is a significant potential for geologic hydrogen as an emerging energy resource.”
Once the discovery of geologic hydrogen was made, the duo had to develop the methodology to locate the sources of geologic hydrogen in the 48 states.
Hydrogen discoveries in 30 U.S. states
As per a nationwide map created by the USGS, geologic hydrogen can be found in various regions that have the right geologic conditions. On the map, certain areas have been marked with a deep blue color to indicate that they have much potential. The perfect geological conditions include those regions with reservoir rocks and tectonic activity. The states offering naturally occurring hydrogen are:
Midwest region:
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Michigan
- Minnesota
The four states lie atop a vast mid-continent hydrogen zone, showing the potential of underground hydrogen reservoirs.
Rocky mountainous region:
- Colorado
- Wyoming
These two states have infrastructure that could speed up hydrogen exploration and experience with fossil energy.
Four Corners region:
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Utah
The promise of energy extraction is offered by these geologically active regions that have favorable tectonic activity and rock formations.
Eastern seaboard regions:
- Georgia
- Maine
As per the USGS, they do not specifically mention the states of Maine and Georgia, but the entire coastal region is believed to have high hydrogen potential.
More states with potential:
- California (coastal zones)
- Kentucky
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
It has been noted that these states also have the promise of having the right geological structure and reservoir conditions.
Why the interest in hydrogen?
The fact remains that hydrogen could be bigger than oil. Naturally occurring hydrogen is unmatched due to its clean and renewable characteristics. While hydrogen created through electrolysis is far to expense and people have resorted to turning hydrogen black, geologic hydrogen gets naturally produced and can be extracted leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint.
Hydrogen is already critical to so many core industries, such as:
- Energy storage and fuel cells
- Chemical production
- Steel manufacturing
- Fertilizers and agriculture
A map of geologic hydrogen possibilities
The map produced by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) shows the states hiding over $6.2 trillion tons of geologic hydrogen. It is believed that approximately 2% of the state’s supply could produce enough energy to last for about 200 years. The only challenge is that there is uncertainty regarding the size, depth, and commercial viability of these hydrogen deposits.
There is no need to look more deeper into the new color of hydrogen when hydrogen can be found naturally in certain states.
