地球密码 | 氢氦合采：未来能源勘探的新范式

Group 1: Core Insights - Hydrogen and helium are emerging as strategic resources in the context of the global energy transition and technological advancements, shifting from being viewed as by-products to key targets for exploration and development [1] - The geological studies indicate significant synergies in the formation mechanisms and storage conditions of hydrogen and helium, suggesting that their co-exploration and integrated development can enhance resource discovery efficiency and optimize economic viability [1][4] Group 2: Hydrogen Insights - Hydrogen is considered a crucial component of future clean energy systems, producing only water upon combustion and thus being ideal for achieving carbon neutrality [2] - Currently, 96% of global hydrogen production comes from fossil fuel conversion, known as "gray hydrogen," which is associated with substantial CO2 emissions; extracting naturally occurring hydrogen ("white hydrogen" or "gold hydrogen") could provide a near-zero carbon emission pathway [2] Group 3: Helium Insights - Helium is an essential strategic gas in high-tech industries due to its unique physical and chemical properties, being used to maintain extreme low-temperature environments [3] - Helium is a non-renewable resource primarily sourced from natural gas deposits containing radioactive elements, making the establishment of independent and stable helium resources a key issue for resource security in many countries [3] Group 4: Co-Exploration Dynamics - The co-existence of hydrogen and helium is evident in specific geological units where tectonic activity and fluid movement create environments conducive to the generation of both gases [4] - The shared physical properties of hydrogen and helium lead to similar migration patterns, allowing for potential co-storage in geological traps, which supports the theoretical basis for their co-exploration [4] Group 5: Current Developments and Future Directions - Collaborative extraction of hydrogen and helium has progressed from theory to practice, with significant advancements in exploration projects in countries like the USA, Australia, and Finland [5] - In China, the Weihe Basin is identified as a promising helium-rich area, with ongoing deep drilling efforts aimed at exploring deep hydrogen and helium resources [6] - The international landscape is witnessing a surge in pioneering projects, with major energy companies investing in overcoming extraction and separation technology challenges, indicating a growing interest in this sector as a new investment hotspot [6]