Understanding Natural Hydrogen: A Clean Energy Game-Changer

Natural hydrogen, also known as white or geologic hydrogen, represents a promising frontier in renewable energy. Unlike green hydrogen, which is produced through electrolysis powered by renewables, or gray hydrogen derived from fossil fuels, natural hydrogen forms deep within the Earth's crust through geological processes. Primarily, it arises from serpentinization, where iron-rich rocks react with water under high temperatures and pressures, releasing hydrogen gas. Another mechanism is radiolysis, the radioactive decay splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

This gas, being the lightest element, migrates upward, often trapped by impermeable rock layers or seeping to the surface. In regions like Mpumalanga, South Africa, these seeps have been detected, signaling potential subsurface reservoirs. The renewable nature stems from ongoing geological activity, making it a zero-emission fuel when combusted—producing only water vapor.

The HyAfrica Project: Pioneering Natural Hydrogen Exploration in Africa

Launched under the LEAP-RE initiative—a Long-term Joint EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Renewable Energy—the HyAfrica project targets natural hydrogen resources across Morocco, Mozambique, South Africa, and Togo. Coordinated by European partners like the University of Évora (Portugal) and Fraunhofer Institute (Germany), it collaborates with African institutions including the University of Pretoria (UP), University of Limpopo, Université Mohammed Premier (Morocco), University of Lomé (Togo), and Eduardo Mondlane University (Mozambique).

The project's core objectives include mapping prospective sites, quantifying reserves, assessing economic viability, and developing regulatory frameworks. In South Africa, funded partly by the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), it focuses on small-scale, stand-alone applications to power local communities amid the nation's energy challenges.

UP Scientists' Breakthrough in Mpumalanga: Tracing Hydrogen Seeps

Led by Professor Adam Bumby, a structural geologist in UP's Department of Geology, the team conducted soil gas surveys in Mpumalanga, detecting elevated hydrogen levels at the surface. These measurements used portable hydrogen meters to quantify flux from the Earth, pinpointing leaks indicative of subsurface accumulations.

Dr. Ansie Smit complemented geological mapping, while Professor David Walwyn from the Graduate School of Technology Management evaluated commercialization potential. Collaborators from the University of Limpopo, Samson Masango and Professor Napoleon Hammond, expanded fieldwork. "There might well be an untapped renewable, non-polluting energy supply that has gone unnoticed for centuries, right under our noses!" exclaimed Prof. Bumby.

Follow-up involves isotopic analysis to confirm origins and model reservoir extent, crucial for estimating viability.

Geological Context: Why Mpumalanga?

Mpumalanga's geology, with its Bushveld Complex and iron-rich ultramafic rocks, fosters serpentinization. Historical mining data hinted at hydrogen presence, but systematic surveys confirmed it. Globally, similar finds in Mali power micro-grids, suggesting parallels for rural South Africa.

• Serpentinization: Olivine + H2O → Hydrogen + minerals
• Radiolysis: Uranium decay in granites liberates H2
• Trap mechanisms: Faults and cap rocks retain gas

This shallow occurrence (hundreds of meters) lowers extraction costs compared to deep drilling for oil/gas.

Training South Africa's Future Energy Researchers

HyAfrica emphasizes capacity building. In 2024-2025, UP and University of Limpopo trained Honours students in hydrogen prospecting techniques, including field measurements at municipal pans in Mpumalanga. This hands-on experience equips graduates for green energy careers, aligning with South Africa's Just Energy Transition.

Such programs foster interdisciplinary skills in geology, geophysics, and engineering, vital as SA universities ramp up hydrogen research. For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in higher education research jobs focused on renewables.

Economic and Environmental Impacts for South Africa

South Africa's energy crisis, marked by load-shedding, underscores natural hydrogen's appeal. Small 20kW generators could electrify clinics, schools, and farms without grid reliance. Prof. Bumby notes: "The role of this project is to indicate the presence of hydrogen, and how it could be incorporated into the national energy budget."

Environmentally, zero emissions support net-zero goals. Economically, local extraction creates jobs, reduces import dependence. Yet, quantification is pending; European analogs suggest gigatons potential globally.

Challenges: Regulation, Safety, and Scalability

Exploiting natural hydrogen requires new frameworks. Hydrogen's flammability demands safety protocols, akin to natural gas. Prof. Bumby highlights: "There remains a great deal of work ahead... to consider necessary regulation."

• Resource quantification via drilling/seismic
• Legislation for licensing/exploitation
• Environmental impact assessments
• Integration with green hydrogen strategies

SA's Hydrogen South Africa strategy provides a base, but natural H2 needs inclusion.

Global Context and African Potential

Natural hydrogen discoveries surge: France's Lorraine basin, Australia's Amadeus. In Africa, HyAfrica pioneers, with Mali's operational sites. SA's find positions it as a leader, complementing green H2 projects like Hive Hydrogen's R100bn initiative.

Estimates: Global reserves could rival fossil fuels, per USGS. For universities, this spurs geoscience programs.

Career Opportunities in Hydrogen Research at SA Universities

UP's success highlights demand for experts. Roles span geology, engineering, policy. Students trained via HyAfrica gain edge. Explore higher ed jobs in renewables or academic career advice. Institutions like Stellenbosch, Wits advance hydrogen R&D.

Photo by Sipho Ndebele on Unsplash

Future Outlook: From Discovery to Deployment

Ongoing HyAfrica phases include modeling and pilots. By 2030, natural H2 could power off-grid SA. UP's interdisciplinary approach exemplifies higher ed's role in sustainability. For faculty, university jobs in energy abound; rate professors at Rate My Professor.

This breakthrough inspires: SA's youth can lead clean energy revolution. Stay informed via South Africa higher ed news.