Earth's crust holds hydrogen, powering the planet for millennia

Scientists have discovered vast reserves of natural hydrogen within Earth's crust, potentially providing a sustainable energy source for 170,000 years. This could revolutionize global energy systems. The study, conducted by researchers from multiple universities, found that naturally occurring hydrogen could be a clean, long-term alternative to fossil fuels. The hydrogen is formed by reactions between water and iron-rich rocks within the Earth's crust. Researchers are now developing methods to locate and extract this "white hydrogen" efficiently, with a focus on areas where it is protected from bacteria that consume it. The discovery could significantly impact the global clean energy transition.