Canadian Mine Releases Hydrogen for 400 Homes

Researchers at the University of Toronto and University of Ottawa in Canada measured hydrogen release at the Kidd Creek Mine in Ontario. The metal mine, one of the deepest in North America, discharges roughly 0.009 U.S. tons of natural hydrogen annually from each of its boreholes. Analysis of data collected over a decade suggests the entire mine releases enough hydrogen to power more than 400 homes each year.

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, indicates that over 70 percent of the Earth’s continental crust could potentially produce this “white hydrogen.” This hydrogen forms through reactions between water and rocks, or from radioactive decay. The Canadian Shield, a vast geologic formation, contains rocks rich in both metals and this naturally occurring hydrogen.

However, current evaluations of underground hydrogen quantities remain largely theoretical. Scientists acknowledge that quantifying the resource presents challenges and further research is needed to understand the full potential. Despite these complications, the work suggests a path toward accessing a domestic, cost-effective energy source.