Natural Hydrogen in Uruguay: Catalog of H<sub>2</sub>-Generating Rocks, Prospective Exploration Areas, and Potential Systems
The increasing demand for carbon-free energy in recent years has positioned hydrogen as a viable option. However, its current production remains largely dependent on carbon-emitting sources. In this context, natural hydrogen, generated through geological processes in the Earth’s subsurface, has emer...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-02-01
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| Series: | Geosciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3263/15/2/54 |
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| Summary: | The increasing demand for carbon-free energy in recent years has positioned hydrogen as a viable option. However, its current production remains largely dependent on carbon-emitting sources. In this context, natural hydrogen, generated through geological processes in the Earth’s subsurface, has emerged as a promising alternative. The present study provides the first national-scale assessment of natural dihydrogen (H<sub>2</sub>) potential in Uruguay by developing a catalog of potential H<sub>2</sub>-generating rocks, identifying prospective exploration areas, and proposing H<sub>2</sub> systems there. The analysis includes a review of geological and geophysical data from basement rocks and onshore sedimentary basins. Uruguay stands out as a promising region for natural H<sub>2</sub> exploration due to the significant presence of potential H<sub>2</sub>-generating rocks in its basement, such as large iron formations (BIFs), radioactive rocks, and basic and ultrabasic rocks. Additionally, the Norte Basin exhibits potential efficient cap rocks, including basalts and dolerites, with geological analogies to the Mali field. Indirect evidence of H<sub>2</sub> in a free gas phase has been observed in the western Norte Basin. This suggests the presence of a potential H<sub>2</sub> system in this area, linked to the Arapey Formation basalts (seal) and Mesozoic sandstones (reservoir). Furthermore, the proposed H<sub>2</sub> system could expand exploration opportunities in northeastern Argentina and southern Brazil, given the potential presence of similar play/tramp. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-3263 |