The Underground Hydrogen Rush: A New Energy Race

MIT Technology Review reports on an emerging energy race: the search for and exploitation of vast underground hydrogen reserves. Unlike traditional fossil fuel exploration, this race targets iron-rich rocks like olivine, which, under high temperature and pressure, undergo chemical reactions to produce hydrogen. Studies suggest that underground hydrogen deposits could reach a trillion tons, enough to meet humanity's needs for centuries. While challenges remain, such as hydrogen leakage and high transportation costs, the potential environmental benefits and positive impact on climate change make it a highly attractive energy option. This technology borrows from the oil and gas industry's expertise, but also faces the challenge of more efficient exploration and extraction methods.