Natural Hydrogen Generation
Serpentinization
Serpentinization is a key geological process in natural hydrogen generation, occurring when ultramafic rocks interact with water under specific temperature and pressure conditions. This reaction releases hydrogen as a byproduct, making serpentinized rocks highly prospective targets for natural hydrogen exploration. Understanding and identifying areas where serpentinization has occurred is crucial for locating and developing sustainable hydrogen resources. Serpentinization is the most likely cause of subsurface hydrogen production in New Zealand. This type of process is likely found in the South Island of New Zealand in-particular.
Radiolysis
Radiolysis is a significant process in natural hydrogen generation, where the breakdown of water molecules occurs due to radiation from radioactive decay in the Earth's crust. This process produces hydrogen as a byproduct, often in association with granitic rocks rich in uranium, thorium, and potassium. Identifying regions with high radiogenic heat production is vital for targeting potential natural hydrogen reservoirs and advancing exploration efforts. Radiolysis generating hydrogen in New Zealand is an unlikely process to be found in New Zealand and is more prominent in the desert areas of the Amadeus, Officer and Arckaringa Basin of Australia.