Basics of Natural Hydrogen Systems

Instructor: Reza Rezaee
Language: English
Level: Intermediate
Duration and formats:
Online: 4 half days of 3-4 hours CPD Points: 8
Classroom: 2 days CPD Points: 10

Course Description

Natural hydrogen is emerging as a promising low-carbon energy resource that has the potential to significantly contribute to the global energy transition. Unlike industrially produced hydrogen, naturally occurring hydrogen accumulates within geological systems through a range of subsurface processes, including water–rock interactions, serpentinization of ultramafic rocks, radiolysis, and deep mantle degassing. Despite increasing global interest and exploration activity, there remains a lack of structured training that integrates the scientific foundations with practical exploration methodologies.This course is designed to address that gap by providing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary framework for understanding and exploring natural hydrogen systems. It aims to equip geoscientists, petroleum engineers, and energy professionals with the knowledge and tools required to evaluate hydrogen generation potential, assess migration pathways, and identify prospective accumulation zones in sedimentary basins and crystalline settings.The course begins with an overview of the fundamental geochemical and geophysical processes responsible for natural hydrogen generation and accumulation. It then examines global occurrences of natural hydrogen and the geological settings in which economically significant concentrations are likely to form.

Particular attention is given to the role of lithology, tectonic setting, heat flow, and fluid–rock interactions in controlling hydrogen systems.A key component of the course is the development of practical exploration workflows. Participants will learn how to apply basin screening criteria, integrate geochemical and geophysical datasets, and identify key indicators of hydrogen presence in subsurface systems. Methods for evaluating reservoir quality, seal integrity, and migration efficiency are also discussed, with comparisons drawn to conventional petroleum systems where appropriate.The course further explores emerging case studies from active exploration regions worldwide, highlighting both successes and uncertainties in current hydrogen exploration efforts. These examples provide critical insights into real-world applications and the challenges associated with evaluating a resource that is still in its early stages of exploration maturity.By the end of the course, participants will have a structured understanding of natural hydrogen systems and a practical toolkit for assessing their exploration potential. They will be able to critically evaluate geological settings for hydrogen prospectivity and contribute to future exploration programs in this rapidly evolving field.Overall, the course bridges the gap between fundamental geoscience and applied exploration practice, providing a timely and scientifically grounded contribution to the expanding field of new energy resources. It directly supports the energy transition by introducing a potential zero-carbon subsurface energy source and aligning with the growing need for diversified and sustainable energy solutions.

Course Outline

Day 1:  Fundamentals of Natural Hydrogen

  • Objectives & scope of the course 
  • Importance of natural hydrogen as a clean energy source 
  • Elements of a Hydrogen System Natural Hydrogen Source 
  • Hydrogen generation mechanisms 
  • Quantification of minerals chemical stability 
  • Hydrogen generation rates calculation 
  • Volumetric calculation of hydrogen from serpentinization (resource estimation) 
  • Hands-on training activities for a local case Reservoir Characteristics 
  • Reservoir properties characterization 
  • Hydrogen interaction with the reservoir rock 
  • Abiotic Interactions 
  • Biotic Interactions 
  • Hydrogen impact on reservoirs The Sealing Efficiency of a Caprock for Hydrogen 
  • Cap rock capillary threshold pressure (Pth) 
  • Interfacial tension (IFT)  
  • Fluids contact angle 
  • Density difference between hydrogen and brine 
  • Calculation of the Maximum Column Height of Hydrogen 
  • Hydrogen-water-caprock interactions 
  • Hands-on Training Activities 

Day2: Natural Hydrogen Migration and Trapping Mechanism

  • Primary and secondary migration of hydrogen
  • Migration pathways
  • Role of faults and fractures Detection & Exploration Methods
  • Surface manifestations of hydrogen degassing 
  • Surface soil gas sampling
  • Geophysical methods
  • Remote sensing Global Case Studies & Future Outlook
  • Case Studies from Global Natural Hydrogen Discoveries o Mali, Australia, Europe, Brazil, China, South Korea, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia
  • Lessons learned from exploration & drilling projects
  • Q&A & Wrap-up Discussion

Participants’ Profile

This course is designed for industry professionals, researchers, and decision-makers involved in energy exploration and production, including:

  • Geologists & Geophysicists working in subsurface exploration,
  • Exploration Managers & Energy Executives planning hydrogen ventures.

Prerequisites

A general background in geosciences, engineering, or energy-industry practice is helpful; no prior experience with hydrogen systems is required.

About the Instructor

Dr. Reza Rezaee is a leading expert in reservoir characterization, petrophysics, and natural hydrogen exploration. With a PhD in Reservoir Characterization and over 28 years of experience, his research focuses on integrated formation evaluation, unconventional gas, and natural hydrogen systems. He has led numerous industry-funded projects, and has published 310+ peer-reviewed papers. As Editor-in-Chief of Improved Oil and Gas Recovery and an Associate Editor for Marine and Petroleum Geology and Geofluids, he actively contributes to advancing energy research. He has pioneered innovative methods for hydrogen system analysis, including generation mechanisms, resource estimation, and reservoir interactions. He has published several papers on natural hydrogen and is the editor of the book Natural Hydrogen Systems: Properties, Occurrences, Generation Mechanisms, Exploration, Storage, and Transportation. He is also the founder of Australia’s Unconventional Gas Research Group and has established state-of-the-art research labs for tight gas sands and shale gas formations at Curtin University. In 2023, he was recognized as Australia’s top researcher in Petroleum Engineering.