Scientists at Edith Cowan University (ECU) have discovered a potentially significant source of low-emission energy beneath Western Australia, where extensive iron-rich geological formations may naturally generate hydrogen.
These findings indicate that the region’s geology could eventually underpin a new domestic energy source and, if developed at scale, a substantial hydrogen export industry.
Magnetite May Generate Hydrogen Underground
The study focuses on magnetite, a mineral abundant in Western Australia’s extensive iron ore deposits across the Pilbara region.
Researchers from ECU’s School of Engineering discovered that magnetite releases hydrogen gas when reacting with hot water under conditions resembling those found deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
The team also identified a method to stimulate this process. By injecting a solution into banded iron formations, the researchers successfully increased hydrogen generation, suggesting that naturally produced hydrogen could potentially be deliberately enhanced underground in the future.
“Australia could be sitting on a massive, untapped energy reserve with enormous potential,” said Associate Professor Alireza Keshavarz.
“There is sufficient hydrogen for Australia to benefit for generations, and potentially enough to establish the nation as a major exporter of clean energy to the rest of the world,” he added.
Simulating Deep Underground Conditions
To investigate the mechanics of this process, the researchers placed magnetite samples in water at 200°C under high pressure for 60 days, conditions designed to replicate the hot, pressurized environment found deep underground.
The experiments provided researchers with a clearer understanding of how natural hydrogen forms within rock and the conditions required for sustained production over time.
These findings hold particular significance for Western Australia, as the region contains some of the largest banded iron formations on Earth.
“Western Australia possesses some of the world’s largest banded iron formations. Unlocking this resource at scale could be transformative for our energy future,” said lead author Kaveh Moghanirahimi.
“We also see the potential for Western Australia to bolster its energy independence during times of crisis by accessing this naturally generated hydrogen.”
Advancing From Laboratory Experiments to Natural Hydrogen Exploration
Professor Stefan Iglauer of ECU’s School of Engineering noted that the results bring researchers closer to understanding how hydrogen production might occur in real underground rock formations rather than solely in controlled laboratory settings.
“This work helps bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and real geological systems,” Iglauer stated.
The study also revealed that the amount of magnetite alone does not dictate hydrogen production yields. Rock structure is equally critical, particularly regarding whether water can migrate through it and reach fresh mineral surfaces.
“Our findings demonstrate that hydrogen production depends not only on the quantity of magnetite present, but also on how easily water can access fresh mineral surfaces via fractures, pores, and permeable pathways.”
This implies that fractures, pores, and other pathways through the rock could play a critical role in determining whether natural hydrogen can be generated efficiently enough to serve as a practical energy resource.
The research, “Geometry-driven controls on hydrothermal natural hydrogen generation from magnetite mineral,” has been published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy.
