Discovery of the largest white hydrogen reserve

Why in news?

The world's largest natural hydrogen reserve was discovered beneath the soil of Folswiller in the Moselle region of France.

Key points:

• This reserve contains about 46 million tonnes of white hydrogen, which is estimated to be worth $92 trillion.
  • This huge reserve of white hydrogen was found at a depth of 1,250 metres.
• This discovery was made by scientists from the Georesources Laboratory and CNRS, who were originally looking for methane.
• White hydrogen is naturally occurring and its extraction does not cause CO₂ emissions.
• This discovery can increase France's energy self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• If this reserve is used properly, it can revolutionise the global energy sector.

Hydrogen:

• Hydrogen is a chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1.
• It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe.
• Hydrogen gas (H₂) is usually found in molecular form.
  • It is colorless, odorless and highly flammable.

White Hydrogen:

• White hydrogen is also called natural hydrogen.
• It is found naturally below the surface of the earth.
• It is formed naturally without any human process.
• It is considered the purest and green energy source of hydrogen.

Types of Hydrogen: