
Romania Confirms First Subsurface Natural Hydrogen Reservoir in Ophiolite Rock — Major Scientific Milestone
A decades-old borehole in southwestern Romania has revealed the first confirmed subsurface natural hydrogen reservoir within ophiolite rock — a tectonic slice of Earth’s mantle known for its hydrogen-generating properties. Originally drilled for metal mining, the well encountered pressurized gas containing ~29% hydrogen, 69% methane, and trace hydrocarbons.
This unexpected find, documented in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, confirms long-held theories about hydrogen accumulation in peridotite-rich rock zones. The reservoir's structural model resembles conventional oil and gas fields, with fractured dunite acting as the reservoir and impermeable tonalite above sealing it. This discovery offers not only a conceptual model for global hydrogen exploration, but also a compelling case for commercial-scale development in similar geological settings.
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