Huayang Li1, Quanyou Liu1,*
(1 Institute of Energy, School of Earth and Space Sciences, Peking University, Beijing100871, China)
Abstract: Natural hydrogen is a promising clean energy resource due to its wide availability, low development cost, and simple production processes, becoming a focus of energy research. Based on extensive domestic and international exploration data, this study systematically synthesizes and analyzes the formation mechanisms, occurrence characteristics, migration-accumulation patterns of natural hydrogen, and potential exploration targets in China. Three principal source types are identified: (1) Inorganic, derived from deep water-rock reactions, radiolytic water splitting, or mantle/crustal degassing, and transported via major deep faults; (2) Organic, formed in hydrocarbon-bearing basins through diagenesis, gas generation, and metamorphism of organic matter, with aromatization, anaerobic decomposition, and microbial activity driving substantial hydrogen production (peaking in late/post-main gas- generation stages); (3) Mixed, combining inorganic and organic processes. Case studies show that industrially significant hydrogen-rich fluids form in diverse geological settings, with spatial distribution and concentration controlled by the source-transport-storage-seal system. Three dynamic enrichment rules are proposed to distinguish natural hydrogen from conventional hydrocarbon systems: (1) Concurrent hydrogen generation and loss require stable, continuous supply for industrial accumulation; (2) Most shallow hydrogen-rich accumulations rely on deep-source recharge and throughgoing faults as conduits; (3) High diffusivity and reactivity of hydrogen demand tight storage-seal pairs or structural traps to limit leakage. Integrating geophysical and geochemical data, three high-potential belts in China are delineated: Tan-Lu fault zone and eastern rift basins; Altun fault belt and adjacent basins; Sanjiang-Longmenshan structural belt and surrounding basins. Key exploration indicators include Precambrian iron-rich (ophiolitic/ultramafic) basement, major deep-fault conduits, and thick tight sealing sequences. Finally, current challenges are reviewed, and an integrated workflow (aeromagnetic/seismic surveys, soil-subsurface gas isotope measurements, directional drilling) is proposed. This study confirms China’s extensive natural hydrogen potential; systematic targeted exploration can provide a new option for energy transition and advance understanding of deep-Earth fluid dynamics and geochemical processes.
Keywords: Natural hydrogen; Enrichment mechanism; Exploration belts; Water-rock interaction; Hydrogen rich reservoir
Author Profile:
Huayang Li, Male, PhD candidate, mainly engaged in natural hydrogen research. Email:lihuayang110@stu.pku.edu.cn
Quanyou Liu, Male, Professor, PhD, mainly engaged in natural gas geochemistryresearch.
E-mail: liuqy@pku.edu.cn
