The government says it will regulate white and orange hydrogen to encourage exploration and development.
Both types of hydrogen come from rock, through natural or deliberately caused chemical reactions with water.
They’re emerging as a potential lower-emissions source of hydrogen for hard-to-electrify sectors, the government says.
The Crown would manage access but not own the hydrogen – similar to geothermal resources – and could give operators exclusive rights.
The SMC asked experts to comment. Feel free to use these comments in your reporting or follow up with the contact details provided.
Dr Wen Zhang, Senior Research Fellow Chemical and Materials Eng, University of Auckland, comments:
“This allows us to study the underlying fluid-mineral chemical reactions, identify strategies to accelerate hydrogen production, and reduce energy inputs. Because exploration in Aotearoa is still at a very early stage, having a clear regulatory roadmap now will help ensure that scientific discoveries can be responsibly scaled.”
Conflict of interest statement: “I have no conflict of interest.”
Professor Ian Wright, Principal Researcher, School of Earth & Environment, University of Canterbury, comments:
“The announcement on a proposed regulatory framework for white and orange hydrogen is welcomed – the current gap in regulation for these potential sub-surface resources has been a real limit on exploration investment as part of a solution for NZ’s energy solution.
“Given the prior decision for the Crown to not own sub-surface hydrogen resources, the proposed regulatory framework is a workable way forward. The similarity of existing geothermal development with exploration and potential exploitation of hydrogen is technically close in geological processes and engineering technology.
“White and orange hydrogen are potentially an important solution to NZ’s energy trilemma – low-cost, low-carbon, and reliable sovereign sourcing, and this regulatory framework will set the scene for research and private investment to determine whether that could be a reality, or natural hydrogen is simply a scientific curiosity.
“New Zealand is uniquely placed with potential natural hydrogen development given the nation’s unique geology and existing expertise in sub-surface resource development within the geothermal energy sector.”
Conflict of interest statement: “I lead natural hydrogen research at the University of Canterbury and have previously applied for natural hydrogen research funding from the NZ Government. University of Canterbury is a partner (alongside the University of Auckland) in a proposed project led by Earth Science NZ seeking funding from the Kānoa Regional Investment Fund to undertake exploration and drilling studies in Southland and Waikato. The University of Canterbury is working with Hardie Pacific (who have active exploration permits in the both the North and South Islands to understand natural hydrogen potential) to jointly fund a PhD project looking at the relationship of natural hydrogen gas emissions and faults (as conduits of fluid release) under MBIE Applied Doctoral Scheme funding hosted by the University of Auckland.”