Mapping Prospectivity for Geologic Hydrogen
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By Central Energy Resources Science Center
January 17, 2025
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has developed a new methodology to identify regions in the United States with the potential for naturally occurring hydrogen. This innovative approach supports clean energy research and exploration, marking a major step forward in diversifying the nation’s energy portfolio.
Key Highlights of the USGS Hydrogen Prospectivity Mapping Effort:
- First-Ever Geologic Hydrogen Map
The USGS has produced the first publicly available map of hydrogen prospectivity for the contiguous United States, identifying areas with favorable conditions for hydrogen accumulation.
- Regions of Interest Identified
The map reveals many prospective regions across the country, including areas with the key geological components for hydrogen storage: hydrogen sources, porous reservoirs, and effective seals to trap the gas.
- Innovative Modeling
New modeling efforts indicate that natural hydrogen could originate offshore along the East Coast and migrate westward, possibly surfacing in shallow depressions known as Carolina bays along the eastern seaboard.
- Data-Driven Innovation
By integrating extensive geological and geophysical datasets, the USGS has created a flexible and scalable prospectivity mapping tool. This methodology can be applied to other regions in the U.S. and around the globe, guiding future exploration efforts. Additionally, as more data are available, the maps can be easily updated to reflect the current state of knowledge.
- Expanding Beyond the Lower 48
Building on the methods created for the lower 48 states, the USGS is now extending its mapping efforts to assess hydrogen prospectivity across the state of Alaska.
Digital Data
The maps and associated data and MATLAB code can be viewed and downloaded here.
Geologic Hydrogen
The USGS Geologic Hydrogen Project conducts research on naturally occurring hydrogen across the nation and the world. The project provides critical scientific insight and data that support the discovery, assessment, and responsible management of geologic hydrogen resources. Research efforts are focused on understanding the natural processes that could lead to recoverable geologic hydrogen...
Geologic Hydrogen
The USGS Geologic Hydrogen Project conducts research on naturally occurring hydrogen across the nation and the world. The project provides critical scientific insight and data that support the discovery, assessment, and responsible management of geologic hydrogen resources. Research efforts are focused on understanding the natural processes that could lead to recoverable geologic hydrogen...