The global energy landscape is changing as alternative energy has started to play a larger role. Meeting this challenge requires forward-thinking researchers developing innovative technologies and exploring revolutionary new concepts.

One energy carrier, H₂—a versatile element with uses ranging from industrial production to clean transportation—has shown tremendous versatility with a multitude of uses. Its combustion also produces only heat and water, making it an environmentally friendly energy alternative.   

H₂ is classified into different colors based on its specific uses and environmental impact: including clean fuel for vehicles, energy storage, industrial feedstock and generating power.

A research project in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology is investigating the presence, quantity and sustainability of naturally occurring white H₂ in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

White H₂ occurs naturally underground and is also known as natural H₂. Its natural formation differs from other types of H₂ that are manmade.   

Dr. Prem Bikkina, a professor in the Petroleum Program of the School of Chemical Engineering, leads a project titled “Characterizing and Estimating White H₂ Resources in Oklahoma and Beyond,” that involves Dr. Priyank Jaiswal and Dr. Javier Vilcaez Perez from Oklahoma State University’s Boone Pickens School of Geology.

This research is a one-year planning grant funded by the OSU Hamm Institute for American Energy.   

“This research involves compiling and analyzing existing geological and geochemical data, conducting feasibility assessments and identifying prospective extraction zones,” Bikkina said. “The ultimate aim is to evaluate white H₂ as a clean, cost-effective energy alternative.”

The primary goals for this research are to analyze data on white H₂ availability in Oklahoma and the region; assess the viability and sustainability of its extraction; lay the groundwork for exploration and production efforts; develop long-term proposals for federally funded research; and train students and build interdisciplinary expertise in the science of natural H₂.

White H₂ has similar uses to other types of H₂ but is unique in that it occurs naturally and is potentially able to replenish itself.   

White H₂ is found in rock formations underground, absorbed by minerals or dissolved in groundwater near areas with high tectonic activity.   

“Collection may involve methods similar to natural gas extraction, though more research is needed to optimize sustainable recovery techniques with minimal environmental disruption,” Bikkina said.   

This is a highly interdisciplinary research project, bringing together chemical/petroleum engineers and geologists to combine their knowledge of fluid flow, reservoir modeling, tectonics and H₂ chemistry.   

“Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to solving complex energy challenges and enhances the scope and impact of the research,” Bikkina said.

This grant will focus on developing datasets and estimates to support future exploration and drilling for white H₂. These reports will then influence future collection missions that include analyzing geological formations for H₂ indicators, reviewing tectonic and geochemical data, using analogs from global H₂-bearing formations, and employing reservoir modeling and geostatistical data.   

“White H₂ is an emerging frontier in clean energy,” Bikkina said. “This planning effort represents a proactive step by OSU and the Hamm Institute to explore its promise. The research has implications not only for Oklahoma but also for global energy sustainability and innovation leadership.”  

This is an example of CEAT research that is focused on the future sustainability of the state, nation and the greater world.