Exploring the Natural Hydrogen Potential in Nigeria: Innovations, Applications, And Future Directions

Oluwaseun Samuel Ogungbemi

doi:10.56201/rjpst.vol.8.no11.2025.pg33.39

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Exploring the Natural Hydrogen Potential in Nigeria: Innovations, Applications, And Future Directions

Oluwaseun Samuel Ogungbemi

Abstract

Nigeria, with its extensive geological diversity and abundant renewable energy resources, holds significant potential for natural hydrogen, a geologically occurring clean energy resource. This article systematically evaluates advanced methodologies for assessing natural hydrogen potential in Nigeria, including isotopic analysis, three-dimensional (3D) geophysical imaging, machine learning (ML)-driven modelling, real-time sensor systems, and microbial geochemical mapping. Geological settings such as the Benue Trough, Niger Delta, and Sokoto Basin are analyzed for their hydrogen-generating potential through serpentinization, radiolysis, and microbial activity. Case studies from analogous global sites (Mali, South Australia, Oman) and hypothetical Nigerian scenarios illustrate practical applications and challenges, including hydrogen embrittlement, cement degradation, data scarcity, and environmental impacts. Drawing on 2024-2025 research and regional energy reports, this study highlights Nigeria's opportunity to leverage its natural gas infrastructure and solar potential to pioneer natural hydrogen exploration. Key challenges include high exploration costs, limited baseline data, and regulatory gaps. Recommendations include developing cost-effective sensors, establishing isotopic databases, integrating ML with geophysical models, and formulating a national hydrogen policy. This framework positions Nigeria to contribute to global decarbonization, aligning with its net-zero transition plan. Policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders can use these insights to prioritize investments, enhance safety, and establish Nigeria as a leader in Africa's natural hydrogen economy.

Keywords

Natural hydrogenNigeriaisotopic analysisgeophysical imagingmachine learningmicrobial mapping

References

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Exploring the Natural Hydrogen Potential in Nigeria: Innovations, Applications, And Future Directions

Abstract

Keywords

References

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