Context: France has discovered a massive 46-million-ton white hydrogen reserve in the Moselle region, valued at $92 trillion.

Background: –

• Hydrogen is considered the future of clean energy. Unlike solar or wind energy, it produces only water when burned. 
• The discovery challenges previous assumptions that hydrogen must be lab-produced, proving it exists naturally.

Key Points

• Based on its production method and environmental impact, hydrogen is classified into several types:
• Grey Hydrogen
  • Source: Produced from natural gas or fossil fuels using steam methane reforming (SMR).
  • Emissions: High carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions since no carbon capture technology is used.
  • Usage: Currently, the most common form of hydrogen used in industry, refineries, and chemical production.
• Blue Hydrogen
  • Source: Similar to grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas) but with Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology.
  • Emissions: Lower than grey hydrogen, as up to 90% of CO2 emissions are captured.
  • Usage: Considered a transition fuel in the shift to green hydrogen.
• Green Hydrogen
  • Source: Produced using electrolysis of water, powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
  • Emissions: Unlike others, this “white hydrogen” requires no industrial production and emits no CO2.
  • Usage: The most sustainable form of hydrogen, used in fuel cells, transportation, and energy storage.
• White Hydrogen
  • Source: Naturally occurring underground hydrogen deposits.
  • Emissions: Zero, but not yet commercially viable due to extraction challenges.
  • Usage: Research is ongoing to explore its potential.
• Pink Hydrogen
  • Source: Produced via electrolysis powered by nuclear energy.
  • Emissions: Low, as nuclear power does not generate carbon emissions.
  • Usage: Can be a stable alternative where nuclear power is available.

Source: Times Now