Hammer Talks are a regular lunch seminar on all things geology at the Department of Geosciences. Join in person or online via Zoom – and bring your lunch, coffee, etc.!
- Time and place: 4 December 2025, 12:15 – 13:00; Undergrunnen (U16), Geologibygningen
- Speaker: Jhon-Meyer Muñoz (Section for study of sedimentary basins, UiO)
- Title: Geological Hydrogen: A New ‘White Gold’? Insights from Natural Hydrogen Assessments in Colombia
- Zoom: Zoom meeting link | Download the Zoom Client for Meetings
Abstract
Geological hydrogen has the potential to constitute a transformative component of the global energy system. As a combustion fuel, it is entirely clean, producing only water and heat. Although no large-scale commercial accumulations have yet been identified, existing studies suggest that geological hydrogen is both widely distributed and, critically, economically favourable.
The National Hydrocarbon Agency has undertaken several investigations to evaluate Colombia’s geological hydrogen potential. These studies include soil measurements, potential-field analyses, satellite-image interpretation, and the drilling of stratigraphic wells. This presentation will focus on the findings from the stratigraphic wells, which were designed to assess potential source rocks.
Evidence proved three distinct geological mechanisms of hydrogen generation: serpentinisation, radiolysis, and over-maturation of organic matter. Measured hydrogen concentrations range from 20 to 10,000 ppm. These gases occur as mixtures and are commonly associated with helium, methane, and wet hydrocarbon gases. Furthermore, drilling revealed previously undocumented iron-rich stratigraphic units within the Caribbean Plate, interbedded with lava flows, displaying notable similarities to those observed in the Malian natural hydrogen field.
The presentation will discuss the implications of these findings, outlining key insights, limitations, and considerations for the future exploration of natural hydrogen systems.
About Hammer Talks
For the past few years, Hammer Talks have been a regular geology lunch seminar arranged by the Basins section. They provide a meeting platform for all geology-interested staff at the Department of Geosciences. The idea is to have regular informal interaction across the different sections/groups that spark scientific discussion and even collaboration.
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Contact:
Organizer: Torsten Hundebøl Hansen (contact details)