USGS findings suggest that naturally occurring hydrogen reserves in the U.S. could hold twice the energy potential of all proven natural gas reserves worldwide. This discovery highlights several promising regions, including:
While the energy potential is significant, the USGS notes that not all hydrogen deposits will be economically viable due to depth and accumulation size. However, this mapping initiative marks a crucial first step toward unlocking geologic hydrogen as a potential clean energy source.
The USGS mapping methodology evaluates key geological factors such as hydrogen sources, reservoir rocks and natural seals that trap the gas.
Using an advanced scoring system (0 to 1), the map identifies areas most likely to contain significant hydrogen accumulations, offering valuable insights for future exploration and investment.
This discovery could have major implications for industries seeking low-carbon energy solutions and sustainable chemical feedstocks. Geologic hydrogen may play a crucial role in decarbonizing the energy sector while providing a cost-effective resource for chemical manufacturing, potentially transforming industrial strategies across multiple sectors.