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Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) have discovered that Western Australia's iron-rich rocks can naturally generate hydrogen, suggesting a significant potential for low-emission energy. The findings indicate that the geology of the Pilbara region could support a new domestic energy source and a major hydrogen export industry if developed at scale.
The research focuses on magnetite, a mineral abundant in Western Australia's iron ore deposits. Scientists found that magnetite can release hydrogen gas when it reacts with hot water under conditions similar to those deep below the Earth's surface. The team also identified a method to stimulate this process, which could enhance hydrogen production underground.
To investigate the hydrogen generation process, researchers placed magnetite samples in water at 200°C under high pressure for 60 days, replicating the conditions found deep underground. The results provide insights into how natural hydrogen forms and the necessary conditions for ongoing production. The study emphasizes the importance of the rock's structure and the accessibility of water to fresh mineral surfaces for efficient hydrogen generation.