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<p>As an important clean energy, natural hydrogen is considered to play a significant role in the future energy transition. In nature, serpentinization of mantle is considered the most promising hydrogen-generating mechanism. This study applies the concept of natural hydrogen system to investigate the hydrogen generation associated with serpentinization in the northern and western continental margins of the South China Sea (SCS). The aim is to decipher where and when hydrogen is generated, as well as to discuss the matching of hydrogen sources with pathways, reservoirs, and cap rocks, and finally to explore the enrichment rules of submarine natural hydrogen in the SCS continental margin. The results show that hydrogen generation mainly occurs in the hyperextended domain, where the crust is fully embrittled and transected by deep-seated faults that penetrate the underlying mantle. The natural hydrogen seeps detected in the western SCS is not only linked with hyperextended domain, but the hydrogen concentration is also higher as it gets closer to the fault zones. By discussing potential models for hydrogen generation and combining them with the geological conditions and evolution related to serpentinization, we suggest that the optimal window for hydrogen generation occurs from late rifting to early post-rifting, with hydrogen production potentially reaching its peak during early post-rifting. During late post-rifting, hydrogen is generated only in the areas where the Red River-East Vietnam fault zone remains active. These results indicate that the SCS has potential for hydrogen production. Sandstone and carbonate rocks deposited during rifting and/or early post-rifting can serve as good reservoirs. However, whether large-scale natural hydrogen reservoirs can form, what are the mechanisms of accumulation and how to explore for hydrogen require further investigation. The mature development of petroleum systems and industry provides valuable experience and insights for natural hydrogen. It can be envisaged that through future deep drilling, deep-sea submersible exploration, and deep-network monitoring the investigation of natural hydrogen seepage will be enhanced. These activities, tightly integrated with geophysical surveys and geochemical analysis, will advance the research on hydrogen accumulation mechanisms, thereby providing theoretical support for future exploration and development of submarine natural hydrogen energy.</p>

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Submarine natural hydrogen resources and potential occurrences in the South China Sea continental margin

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月13日

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  • Cuimei Zhang,
  • Sanzhong Li,
  • Gianreto Manatschal,
  • Zhiqiang Feng,
  • Nick Kusznir,
  • Qi Li,
  • Jiangyang Zhang,
  • Zhongxian Zhao,
  • Pauline Chenin,
  • Ning Qiu

摘要

As an important clean energy, natural hydrogen is considered to play a significant role in the future energy transition. In nature, serpentinization of mantle is considered the most promising hydrogen-generating mechanism. This study applies the concept of natural hydrogen system to investigate the hydrogen generation associated with serpentinization in the northern and western continental margins of the South China Sea (SCS). The aim is to decipher where and when hydrogen is generated, as well as to discuss the matching of hydrogen sources with pathways, reservoirs, and cap rocks, and finally to explore the enrichment rules of submarine natural hydrogen in the SCS continental margin. The results show that hydrogen generation mainly occurs in the hyperextended domain, where the crust is fully embrittled and transected by deep-seated faults that penetrate the underlying mantle. The natural hydrogen seeps detected in the western SCS is not only linked with hyperextended domain, but the hydrogen concentration is also higher as it gets closer to the fault zones. By discussing potential models for hydrogen generation and combining them with the geological conditions and evolution related to serpentinization, we suggest that the optimal window for hydrogen generation occurs from late rifting to early post-rifting, with hydrogen production potentially reaching its peak during early post-rifting. During late post-rifting, hydrogen is generated only in the areas where the Red River-East Vietnam fault zone remains active. These results indicate that the SCS has potential for hydrogen production. Sandstone and carbonate rocks deposited during rifting and/or early post-rifting can serve as good reservoirs. However, whether large-scale natural hydrogen reservoirs can form, what are the mechanisms of accumulation and how to explore for hydrogen require further investigation. The mature development of petroleum systems and industry provides valuable experience and insights for natural hydrogen. It can be envisaged that through future deep drilling, deep-sea submersible exploration, and deep-network monitoring the investigation of natural hydrogen seepage will be enhanced. These activities, tightly integrated with geophysical surveys and geochemical analysis, will advance the research on hydrogen accumulation mechanisms, thereby providing theoretical support for future exploration and development of submarine natural hydrogen energy.