Sunita Somvanshi
Scientists have found natural hydrogen and helium beneath the ground across New South Wales, pointing to a cleaner energy future. This discovery, made by Geoscience Australia working with NSW researchers, adds new possibilities to Australia’s energy resources.
The Australian Government has put $3.4 billion into finding these natural resources over the next 35 years. What makes this special is that Australia’s very old rock formations make it perfect for finding natural hydrogen – the kind that comes straight from the earth and doesn’t create pollution when used.
This isn’t just about finding gas underground. Hydrogen can power factories that make everyday items like fertilizers for farming. It can also help run trucks and buses that typically use diesel fuel. The helium found alongside it is crucial for hospital equipment like MRI machines and helps manufacture many products we use daily.
“This is a huge opportunity,” says Resources Minister Madeleine King. John Graham, NSW’s Acting Natural Resources Minister, adds that this discovery could help NSW move toward cleaner energy solutions.
Similar Posts
Think of natural hydrogen as Earth’s own clean fuel. Unlike coal or oil, it doesn’t release harmful gases when used. This matters because it could help reduce pollution from factories that make steel and iron – industries that typically create a lot of emissions. For industries and businesses, this means access to a new clean energy source.
Australia’s timing is good. Since 2018, when a similar discovery was made in Mali (Africa), scientists worldwide have been looking for natural hydrogen deposits. What makes Australia’s find important is that we might be able to get this hydrogen out of the ground at low cost – making this clean energy source more practical.
The scientists have also created a clear guide for finding more hydrogen, suggesting this might be just the start of similar discoveries across Australia. This careful approach shows they’re serious about making this work for the long term.
This discovery could reshape how NSW powers its industries and transportation, opening new possibilities for clean energy use across different sectors.
