BEIJING — The Oil & Gas Survey Center of the China Geological Survey has recently carried out China’s first dedicated geological survey for natural hydrogen resources, addressing gaps in the understanding of China’s natural hydrogen resource base, key exploration targets and resource potential.

The survey focused on two representative ophiolite belts — Hegen Mountain in Inner Mongolia and Laji Mountain in the South Qilian Mountains. The project has generated a number of innovations in exploration theories and technical methods, with three national invention patents granted to date.

The survey has produced five key interim outcomes.

First, researchers have developed a preliminary three-dimensional exploration methodology for serpentinization-derived natural hydrogen, providing practical experience for field investigations of natural hydrogen resources.

Second, multiple levels of direct evidence of hydrogen generation have been identified in the Hegen Mountain and South Qilian–Laji Mountain survey areas. The findings provide preliminary evidence of ongoing serpentinization and hydrogen generation in continental ophiolites.

Third, the project has proposed a preliminary framework for the key factors controlling the accumulation of serpentinization-related hydrogen. The findings provide new observational evidence for reassessing the conventional view that hydrogen is highly prone to escape and therefore difficult to accumulate on a large scale.

Fourth, researchers have proposed an initial concept for the integrated exploration of natural hydrogen and geothermal resources, opening a new pathway for adding value to geothermal resources.

Fifth, preliminary methodologies have been developed for natural hydrogen reserve estimation, resource assessment and prospect-area evaluation, providing a basis for future resource assessment and target selection.

Source：Hydrogen Cloud Chain