illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on World Economic Forum or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: White hydrogen, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen, is gaining attention as a potential low-cost and efficient energy source
• Unlike green or blue hydrogen, which require complex and expensive production processes, white hydrogen is generated naturally through geochemical reactions in the Earth's crust
• This nascent industry is being explored as a solution to meet growing global demand for low-carbon hydrogen

🔭 The context: The global demand for low-carbon hydrogen is expected to soar to nearly 200 million tonnes per year by 2050, driven by the need to decarbonize various sectors
• Green hydrogen, though promising, is still expensive, costing between $6 to $12 per kilogram
• White hydrogen, found in natural reservoirs, could be delivered for less than $1 per kilogram if produced at scale, offering a cheaper alternative that might attract significant interest from oil and gas companies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As a cleaner energy source, white hydrogen could play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the energy transition
• Its potential low cost and efficiency make it an attractive option for replacing higher-cost hydrogen production methods
• Successfully scaling up white hydrogen could diversify the energy mix and accelerate the global shift towards low-carbon energy sources

⏭️ What's next: The development of white hydrogen hinges on further research, pilot projects, and supportive regulatory frameworks
• Countries like France and Australia are leading exploration efforts, while oil and gas companies could leverage their expertise to pioneer this emerging sector
• Regulatory adjustments, financial incentives, and technological advancements will be essential to unlocking white hydrogen's full potential

💬 One quote: “Given the right regulations and incentives, governments could enable exploration opportunities for these companies and kick-start the sector,” suggest Simon Flowers and Richard Hood from Wood Mackenzie

📈 One stat: White hydrogen production could potentially reach 17 million tonnes per year by 2050, contingent on successful pilot projects and supportive policy frameworks

Click for more news covering the latest on hydrogen