Colombia has confirmed its first white hydrogen discovery, identifying significant underground concentrations

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Map of northwest Colombia showing the locations of natural hydrogen wells Photo: Colombian government

Colombia Unveils Landmark White Hydrogen Find, Eyes Clean Energy Leadership

Fuel Cells Works | July 8, 2025

Colombia has officially confirmed the presence of natural “white” hydrogen in multiple exploratory wells, positioning itself as a pioneer in Latin America’s pursuit of carbon-free energy resources. The discovery, announced by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and led by the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), identified high hydrogen concentrations in four wells—Macanal-1X, Fómeque-1X, San Rafael-1X, and 2X—located in the Sinú-San Jacinto and Cordillera Oriental geological basins. The standout result came from the Macanal-1X well, where hydrogen was found at a concentration of 36,110 parts per million (3.61%) just 183 meters (600 feet) below ground.

“This […] is confirmation that Colombia has the potential to become a regional leader in clean energy,” stated Energy Minister Edwin Palma. “Natural hydrogen can transform our energy matrix, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and bring development to historically forgotten regions.” The Energy Ministry and ANH are continuing to study the geological formations to evaluate the commercial viability of the deposits. If feasible, Colombia would join Mali’s Bourakébougou as one of the only known locations with commercially extractable white hydrogen.

White hydrogen, unlike green hydrogen made via electrolysis or blue hydrogen derived from fossil gas with carbon capture, occurs naturally through geological processes without any associated CO₂ emissions. This zero-carbon source has the potential to deliver lower costs and simpler deployment, provided it can be extracted efficiently.

To capitalize on the discovery, Colombia’s government has already begun laying the regulatory groundwork. In April, it issued a draft resolution to structure land allocations for natural gas and hydrogen exploration, outlining co-production rules, community engagement obligations, and operational standards. ANH is also preparing to auction licenses tailored for white hydrogen investors—signaling the country’s intent to monetize its subsurface resource as a strategic clean energy asset...more
https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/07/08/clean-energy/colombia-unveils-landmark-white-hydrogen-find-eyes-clean-energy-leadership

Related: Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Ph.D. - Advancing The Global Hydrogen Economy

Dr. Sunita Satyapal, Ph.D. is an internationally known subject matter expert and leader in the field of hydrogen and fuel cells with three decades of experience