Natural Hydrogen Research in Korea: Field Measurements

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Natural hydrogen is defined as clean hydrogen generated by various mechanisms within the Earth. Its potential role is attracting attention in line with the global energy transition to renewables and government carbon neutrality policies. Although there is considerable interest in the Republic of Korea, most work has been limited to case studies. The Korea National Oil Corporation began on-site measurement using portable equipment in 2023. Artificial hydrogen in soil measurements, caused by excavation with a hammer drill, lasted several hours or up to several days, and the hydrogen concentrations eventually dropped to zero. In contrast, several hot spring wells, which are not affected by such artificial factors, consistently had concentrations of 69 to 414 ppm. It is presumed that there is a relationship between natural hydrogen concentrations and ultramafic rock bodies, iron ore deposits, and uranium deposits. In subsequent research, gas analysis at greater depths, regional system studies, and geophysical exploration should be conducted.