Natural Hydrogen for Energy trAnsiTion
The NHEAT project aims to stimulate and direct natural hydrogen research in Italy, which is still underdeveloped and poorly conceptualized.
The NHEAT project is led by the Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG) of the National Research Council (CNR) in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Geology and Geoengineering (IGAG-CNR), the Department of Earth Sciences of La Sapienza University of Rome and the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV), Palermo section.
NHEAT is funded by the European Union under the Next Generation EU initiative and the Italian Ministry of University and Research, PRIN PNRR Projects.
The Urgency of Energy Transition: Natural Hydrogen as a Game-Changer
The global transition to a low-carbon future has never been more urgent. As the effects of climate change intensify, the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources is not only a necessity, but a moral imperative. One promising solution is natural hydrogen, a clean and abundant energy carrier that has only recently begun to attract attention. Unlike hydrogen produced by electrolysis or fossil fuels, natural hydrogen is formed within the earth and could provide a reliable, cost-effective alternative for achieving energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. The NHEAT project aims to explore this potential and position natural hydrogen as a key player in the clean energy revolution.
Unlocking Hydrogen from the Earth’s Rocks
One of the most fascinating aspects of natural hydrogen production lies in its geological origin. Certain types of rocks, especially serpentinites, have a remarkable ability to generate hydrogen through a process called serpentinization. This reaction occurs when water interacts with olivine-rich rocks, producing hydrogen gas and forming serpentine minerals. Serpentinites are not the only hydrogen-producing rocks. All volcanic rocks and iron(II)-rich rocks, including basalts, gabbros, and banded iron formations, can also contribute to hydrogen generation through oxidation-reduction reactions involving Fe²⁺. In regions where fault zones and hydrothermal activity are present, such as the Tyrrhenian back-arc basin, these natural processes may create significant hydrogen reservoirs. The NHEAT project focuses on investigating these serpentinite systems and other iron-bearing lithologies, unlocking new insights into how and where natural hydrogen can be sustainably harvested.
The NHEAT Project: Pioneering Natural Hydrogen Exploration
The Natural Hydrogen for Energy Transition (NHEAT) project is a ground-breaking initiative that aims to transform our understanding of hydrogen production in Italy’s unique geological setting. By combining detailed structural surveys, geochemical and isotopic analyses, and fluid and gas characterization, NHEAT aims to create a codified workflow for natural hydrogen exploration. The project targets two promising areas: the serpentinite-rich Liguride ophiolite in Liguria and Tuscany, and the volcanic-hydrothermal systems of the Latium-Campania region. Through this multidisciplinary approach, NHEAT aims to place Italy at the forefront of natural hydrogen research, offering a sustainable energy solution that could accelerate the global transition to clean energy.
“Unlocking Earth’s Hydrogen for a Greener Tomorrow”
