PEMEX and Geological Hydrogen: A Strategic Plan

PEMEX recently presented its 2025-2035 Strategic Plan, which includes the production of  geological hydrogen among its energy transition projects. 

As is widely known, PEMEX must reduce its carbon footprint, and one way this could be achieved is by replacing the gray hydrogen it uses (which is obtained from methane) with white or geological hydrogen. 

In this context, the inclusion of geological hydrogen in its Strategic Plan is an important step for PEMEX toward energy transition and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. 

Geological hydrogen is a clean energy source found in underground formations. The village of Bourakébougou in Mali is often considered the birthplace of natural hydrogen extraction, as large deposits of hydrogen were discovered — by accident — while searching for water in wells in 1987. 

This led to the creation of the company Hydroma, which began the world's first generation of CO2-free electricity using geological hydrogen, supplying electricity to Bourakébougou. 

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the International Energy  Agency, geological hydrogen exploration is underway in Albania, Australia, Canada,  Colombia, France, Finland, Korea, Spain, and the United States, and possibly in other countries. 

By the end of 2023, more than 40 companies were believed to be exploring geological hydrogen resources. A recent USGS study estimates that there could be millions of metric tons (Mt) of natural hydrogen in accumulations in the Earth's crust. 

It is therefore extremely important that PEMEX is considering its potential extraction. In addition to its environmental benefits, the production of natural hydrogen could boost knowledge transfer and stimulate applied research in Mexican universities and innovation centers.

Furthermore, it could contribute to the creation of talent and the generation of related jobs, which would bring economic benefits in the future. 

The extraction of geological hydrogen requires advanced and specialized technologies, some of which are currently being developed and use methods such as hydraulic fracturing, which consists of fracturing underground rocks and releasing the hydrogen contained within them. 

Another innovative technology worth mentioning is that of a Texas company, Cemvita, whose biotechnology uses microbes injected into depleted or marginal oil wells to produce golden or natural hydrogen. 

The inclusion of geological hydrogen in PEMEX's Strategic Plan is an important step toward energy transition and emissions reduction in Mexico, and could contribute to combating climate change. 

With a clear vision and a solid strategy, Mexico can position itself as a leader in the hydrogen ecosystem and lay the foundations for a more sustainable energy future.