Australia’s red soil may be hiding a massive clean energy source

Researchers have discovered that Western Australia’s iron-rich rocks can naturally generate hydrogen and that the process may be boosted to produce much larger amounts. If it can be scaled up, the vast formations beneath the Pilbara could become a major new source of low-emission energy for Australia and potentially the world. Australia’s red soil may be hiding a massive clean energy source.

The findings suggest that the region’s geology could eventually support a new domestic energy source and, if developed at scale, a major hydrogen export industry. Magnetite Could Generate Hydrogen Underground The research focuses on magnetite, a mineral that is abundant in Western Australia’s huge iron ore deposits across the Pilbara region. Scientists from ECU’s School of Engineering found that magnetite can release hydrogen gas when it reacts with hot water under conditions similar to those deep below the Earth’s surface.

The team also discovered a way to stimulate the process. By injecting a solution into banded iron formations, the researchers were able to increase hydrogen generation, raising the possibility that naturally produced hydrogen could one day be deliberately enhanced underground. "Australia could be sitting on a massive, untapped energy reserve — and the potential is enormous," Associate Professor Alireza Keshavarz said.