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New Zealand Explores 'White Hydrogen' for Clean Energy

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 2:22 GMT by rnz
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Wellington, NZ - February 12th, 2026 - As the global push for decarbonisation intensifies, New Zealand is increasingly focusing on innovative energy sources. A relatively unexplored, yet potentially game-changing, option is gaining traction: natural hydrogen - often called 'white hydrogen'. Preliminary research suggests New Zealand's unique geological composition may offer a significant advantage in accessing and utilising this clean energy source, potentially providing a cheaper pathway to reducing emissions from key industrial sectors.

For years, hydrogen has been touted as a crucial component of a future clean energy economy. However, most hydrogen production currently relies on processes involving fossil fuels - a contradiction to the very goal of decarbonisation. 'Grey' hydrogen is produced using steam methane reforming, releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct, while 'blue' hydrogen attempts to capture and store that CO2. 'Green' hydrogen, generated through electrolysis powered by renewable energy, is considered truly clean, but remains expensive and requires significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

Natural, or 'white', hydrogen offers a potentially disruptive alternative. This form of hydrogen isn't produced by us, but exists naturally underground, formed through geological processes over millennia. It arises from the reaction between water and iron-rich rocks deep within the Earth's crust. This process, called serpentinization, splits water molecules, releasing hydrogen which can then become trapped in porous rock formations. Unlike its conventionally produced counterparts, white hydrogen isn't linked to fossil fuels, offering a genuinely clean source of energy.

"We're talking about hydrogen that's naturally produced from a reaction in the Earth, and it's not linked to fossil fuels," explains Dr. Adrian Waters, a geologist with the Deep Earth Carbon Observatory (DECO), who has been at the forefront of this emerging field of research. "It's really promising because we've got a lot of industry in New Zealand that needs decarbonising, like steel, cement and fertilizer production, and these are traditionally very high emission industries." These industries, vital to the New Zealand economy, are also some of the most challenging to electrify due to the high temperatures required in their processes. Hydrogen provides a viable alternative fuel source.

The key to unlocking this potential lies in identifying and accessing these naturally occurring hydrogen reservoirs. And this is where New Zealand's geology comes into play. The country's turbulent tectonic history, marked by significant faulting, volcanic activity, and ultramafic rock formations, creates ideal conditions for hydrogen generation and trapping.

"New Zealand's geology is really turbulent," Dr. Waters clarifies. "That turbulent geology means it's much more likely to have these pathways and structures for hydrogen to be trapped." These geological structures - faults, fractured rocks, and porous layers - act as conduits and reservoirs, allowing hydrogen to accumulate over time.

While the concept is gaining momentum, significant research is still required. DECO, in collaboration with Niwa, GNS Science, and Te Pu Ao - New Zealand's Centre for Deep Earth Technology, is currently conducting exploratory studies to pinpoint promising locations for natural hydrogen deposits. These investigations involve geological mapping, geophysical surveys, and potentially, exploratory drilling.

The world is already seeing initial steps towards commercialising natural hydrogen. The first commercial natural hydrogen well commenced operation in France in 2022, and a large-scale project in Kazakhstan is expected to be fully operational in 2026. This international progress underscores the growing global recognition of natural hydrogen's potential.

However, New Zealand must accelerate its research efforts to remain competitive and capitalise on its geological advantage. "We need to invest a lot more in this, we need a proper research programme to understand what's here and how we can access it," Waters urges. This includes investing in advanced drilling technologies, developing robust monitoring systems to prevent leakage, and establishing a clear regulatory framework for responsible development.

Successfully harnessing natural hydrogen could not only significantly reduce New Zealand's carbon footprint but also create new economic opportunities. A domestic supply of clean hydrogen could attract investment in green industries, stimulate innovation, and position New Zealand as a leader in sustainable energy technologies. While challenges remain - including the complexities of subsurface exploration and the need for significant upfront investment - the potential rewards are substantial, making natural hydrogen a critical piece of New Zealand's decarbonisation puzzle.