Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-04-28 07:00Core Insights - The increasing interest in natural hydrogen, seen as a potential game-changer in the global energy landscape, is attracting major companies from the mining and energy sectors [1][2] - Natural hydrogen, discovered 40 years ago in Mali, is a carbon-free resource that produces only water when burned, leading to a surge in exploration activities by various companies [1][3] - Despite the optimism, there are concerns regarding the environmental impact and transportation challenges associated with natural hydrogen, with the International Energy Agency warning about the difficulties in achieving economically viable large-scale extraction [1][2] Industry Developments - Rystad Energy indicates that Canada and the United States are leading in exploration projects for natural hydrogen, with the next year being critical for the industry [1][2] - Major players like Fortescue and BP are investing in natural hydrogen exploration, with Fortescue's investment of $21.9 million in HyTerra to expand exploration efforts [3][4] - The potential for natural hydrogen to support decarbonization efforts is acknowledged, but the industry is still in its early stages, with significant challenges ahead in terms of efficient extraction and safe transportation [3][4] Investment Trends - The past year has seen a rise in investor interest, with venture capital backing companies like Snowfox Discovery and Mantle8, indicating a shift towards alternative hydrogen solutions amid challenges faced by green hydrogen [2][3] - The focus on natural hydrogen is seen as a promising opportunity for local clean energy, with potential applications across various industries if extraction and cost challenges can be addressed [3][4] - The hydrogen energy alliance emphasizes that while exploration is in its infancy, achieving industrial-scale production could take decades, similar to the shale gas development timeline in the U.S. [4]