Which unconventional clean energy source in Earth’s crust, seen as a potential jackpot for 170000 years of power, gained attention in May 2025?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
- Natural hydrogen, also known as 'golden hydrogen' or 'white hydrogen,' is a clean energy source found in the Earth's crust.
- Around May 2025, it generated considerable discussion in the global energy sector because scientists and geologists estimated that the Earth contained vast reserves capable of meeting the world's electricity needs for thousands of years (approximately 170,000 years).
Key facts about natural hydrogen:
- It is found directly in the Earth's crust (such as in France, Australia, and parts of the United States) as hydrogen gas.
- Unlike green hydrogen (which is made from water), it does not require energy to produce; it is extracted directly. When burned, it releases only water vapor, making it a carbon-free fuel.
- Many scientists believe that it is continuously formed within the Earth through geochemical processes, making it a renewable source.