White Hydrogen and Carbon Mineralization: A New Decarbonisation Pathway

The Geology of Newfoundland’s Ophiolites

In the remote western coast of Newfoundland, a distinct segment of ancient oceanic crust—known as the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex—has moved from academic curiosity to a potential industrial asset. These ophiolite belts, which are slices of Earth’s mantle thrust onto land, contain ultramafic rocks rich in magnesium and iron but low in silica. Their unique composition sets the stage for a natural process that can generate hydrogen and lock away carbon dioxide.

From Serpentinization to Hydrogen Production

When water infiltrates these ultramafic formations, the resulting chemical reaction—serpentinization—oxidises iron and splits water molecules, releasing hydrogen gas. At the same time, the reaction produces highly alkaline fluids that react aggressively with CO₂, converting the greenhouse gas into stable carbonate minerals. Research at Memorial University, focusing on the Blow Me Down massif, found that the brucite mineral formed during this process can sequester 0.63 t of CO₂ for every tonne of brucite produced.

Carbon Capture Potential and Market Outlook

The global market for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is expected to grow from approximately $5.82 billion in 2025 to $17.75 billion by 2030, a 25 % compound annual growth rate driven by regulatory mandates and rising carbon prices. Theoretically, the Bay of Islands Complex could store up to 5.1 × 10¹¹ t of CO₂, a figure that, even if only a fraction is accessible, would represent a major sink relative to Canada’s annual emissions.

Engineering the Process and Economic Viability

While serpentinization occurs naturally, it is a slow geological process. To accelerate hydrogen production, operators are exploring “stimulated” methods: drilling into the ophiolites and injecting water enriched with CO₂. This approach could simultaneously capture industrial emissions and harvest the resulting hydrogen for energy use. According to Esti Ukar, a research associate professor at the Jackson School of Geosciences, natural hydrogen accumulations are found worldwide but are typically too small to be economical. Engineering the reaction to occur over a human timescale could make white hydrogen a competitive alternative to green hydrogen, which currently costs more than $4 per kilogram while white hydrogen could be produced for $0.50–$1 per kilogram.

Critical Mineral Benefits and Policy Landscape

The reducing conditions that favour hydrogen generation also promote the formation of rare nickel‑iron alloys such as awaruite and significant chromite deposits. Explorers have identified chromite zones exceeding 700 m in the Lewis Hills Massif. In addition, the permanent mineralisation of CO₂ offers a safety advantage over gaseous storage in depleted oil wells, a factor that is especially valuable for hard‑to‑abate sectors like steel and cement. The International Energy Agency notes that while carbon capture projects are being announced, global deployment still lags behind climate targets. Governments in North America and Europe are responding with tax credits and grants to de‑risk exploration and development.

The Newfoundland ophiolites could soon serve as a real‑world laboratory, demonstrating whether engineered geological processes can simultaneously supply clean fuel and store carbon.