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Occurrences and Perspectives of Natural Hydrogen Extraction: The Brazilian Context

Author

Listed:
  • Vitória Felicio Dornelas

    (School of Engineering and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Guaratinguetá 12516-410, Brazil)

  • Andreas Nascimento

    (School of Engineering and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Guaratinguetá 12516-410, Brazil
    Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil
    Institute of Drilling Engineering and Fluid Mining, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany)

  • Diunay Zuliani Mantegazini

    (School of Engineering and Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Guaratinguetá 12516-410, Brazil)

  • Electo Eduardo Silva Lora

    (Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil)

  • Edson da Costa Bortoni

    (Institute of Electrical Systems and Energy, Federal University of Itajubá (UNIFEI), Itajubá 37500-903, Brazil)

  • Mohd Amro

    (Institute of Drilling Engineering and Fluid Mining, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany)

Abstract

The global energy matrix needs to undergo considerable changes to achieve the clean and affordable energy target as per the Sustainable Development Goals determined by the United Nations (UN) by 2030. Hydrogen has stood out worldwide as a potential substitute for current non-renewable sources. Once thought to be minor, if not non-existent, natural hydrogen is now becoming a more significant alternative that is being explored. Natural hydrogen can be obtained from subsurface rocks by the generation process of serpentinization, radiolysis, rock fracturing, or magma degassing, using extraction technology similar to that already used in the oil and gas industries. Thus, the goal of this research was to perform a consistent technical–scientific and bibliometric review of natural hydrogen, presenting the Brazilian context. The results showed that from 2017 onwards, there has been an increase in research publications related to the topic. France is the country with the most publications. In Brazil, the potential of natural hydrogen sources has been studied in states such as Goias, Tocantins, Minas Gerais, Roraima, Bahia, and Ceará. It is still difficult to predict the potential cost of natural hydrogen production. However, estimates through the Hydroma company show a cost of 0.5 USD/kg, and Australia and Spain target price projects at approximately 1 USD/kg of natural decarbonization could be aided by natural hydrogen, which could supply the world’s energy needs for generations. Geological processes, reserve behavior, and the efficiency of extraction are among the unknowns, though. Brazil requires a strong regulatory framework and additional research. For exploration to be sustainable, cooperation between the government, businesses, and society is essential.

Suggested Citation

  • Vitória Felicio Dornelas & Andreas Nascimento & Diunay Zuliani Mantegazini & Electo Eduardo Silva Lora & Edson da Costa Bortoni & Mohd Amro, 2025. "Occurrences and Perspectives of Natural Hydrogen Extraction: The Brazilian Context," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-22, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2859-:d:1668153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lu Wang & Zhijun Jin & Xiao Chen & Yutong Su & Xiaowei Huang, 2023. "The Origin and Occurrence of Natural Hydrogen," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-18, March.
    2. Andreas Nascimento & Diunay Zuliani Mantegazini & Mauro Hugo Mathias & Matthias Reich & Julian David Hunt, 2025. "O&G, Geothermal Systems, and Natural Hydrogen Well Drilling: Market Analysis and Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-22, March.
    3. Chara, Osvaldo & McCarthy, Andrés N. & Ferrara, C. Gastón & Caffarena, Ernesto R. & Grigera, J. Raúl, 2009. "Water behavior in the neighborhood of hydrophilic and hydrophobic membranes: Lessons from molecular dynamics simulations," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 388(21), pages 4551-4559.
    4. Barbara Sherwood Lollar & T. C. Onstott & G. Lacrampe-Couloume & C. J. Ballentine, 2014. "The contribution of the Precambrian continental lithosphere to global H2 production," Nature, Nature, vol. 516(7531), pages 379-382, December.
    5. Gustavo Henrique Romeu da Silva & Andreas Nascimento & Christoph Daniel Baum & Mauro Hugo Mathias, 2024. "Renewable Energy Potentials and Roadmap in Brazil, Austria, and Germany," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-21, March.
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