It is under our feet and is a valuable resource, often referred to as “green oil” due to its potential as a clean source of energy. This resource, which exists in various parts of the world, including Mexico, has sparked a global interest in its extraction. The search for this resource spans across continents, from North America to Asia and Australia.
The formation of this element, known as geological hydrogen, occurs through a chemical reaction between water and iron in the earth’s depths, particularly near tectonic cracks where water pockets contain this element. Geological hydrogen is a natural form of hydrogen that forms underground over thousands of years through geological processes, unlike gray hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas, or green hydrogen, which is produced using solar or wind energy. This type of hydrogen is generated without human intervention.
Its main advantage is that it is unlimited, constantly being created and maintained over thousands of years, and it does not generate toxic emissions, making it a clean and sustainable energy source. Unlike oil or gas, geological hydrogen’s availability is not limited, and its extraction does not harm the environment.
Mexico plays a significant role in the extraction of geological hydrogen due to its rich geological wealth. Certain areas in Mexico, especially within the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca, have caught the attention of companies seeking to extract this resource. The former president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, announced a $10 billion investment to install a green hydrogen production plant in this area, which will be carried out in collaboration with a Danish company.
The global potential of geological hydrogen is substantial, with estimates suggesting that there could be up to 150 billion tons available worldwide. To put this figure into perspective, one billion tons of this hydrogen could supply the energy needs of the United States for an entire year. Companies around the world are actively drilling to discover hydrogen deposits, and Mexico is poised to play a central role in the exploration and exploitation of this natural treasure. If managed correctly, Mexico could become a key player in the use and marketing of geological hydrogen, which is an inexhaustible, clean, and highly energetic resource.
