Rift-inversion orogens are potential hot spots for natural H₂ generation

Area of Science:

• Geology
• Geodynamics
• Clean Energy

Background:

• Naturally occurring hydrogen gas (H2) is a potential clean energy source.
• Serpentinization of exhumed mantle material is a key mechanism for natural H2 generation.
• Existing knowledge primarily links H2 generation to rifted margins and spreading ridges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serpentinization-related H2 generation during rifting and rift-inversion orogen development.
• To compare H2 generation potential in rift-inversion orogens versus rift settings.
• To assess the suitability of rift-inversion orogens for economic H2 accumulation.

Main Methods:

• Numerical geodynamic modeling was employed.
• The models simulated serpentinization processes during tectonic events.
• H2 generation capacity and reservoir/seal availability were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Rift-inversion orogens provide significantly better conditions for serpentinization and H2 generation than rift environments.
• Yearly H2 generation capacity in overriding mantle wedges during rift inversion can be up to 20 times greater than during rifting.
• Rift-inversion orogens possess readily available reservoirs and seals crucial for economic H2 accumulation, unlike typical rift settings.

Conclusions:

• Rift-inversion orogens are highly prospective for natural H2 exploration.
• The findings provide a strong rationale for exploring these geological settings for clean energy resources.
• Observed natural H2 occurrences in the Balkans and Pyrenees support these conclusions.