Exploring Natural Hydrogen Potential in Alberta's Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

Natural hydrogen, or "white hydrogen", has recently garnered attention as a viable and cost-effective energy resource due to its low-carbon footprint and high energy density, positioning it as a key contributor to the transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon energy system. This study represents Alberta’s first systematic effort to evaluate natural hydrogen potential in the province using publicly available geological, geospatial, and gas composition datasets. By mapping hydrogen occurrences against key geological features in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB), we identify regions with strong geological potential for natural hydrogen generation, migration, and accumulation, while addressing data uncertainties. Within the WCSB, formations like the Montney, Cardium, Bearpaw, Manville, Belly River, McMurray, and Lea Park are identified as zones likely for hydrogen generation, by prominent mechanisms including hydrocarbon decomposition, water-rock reactions with iron-rich sediments, and organic pyrolysis. Formation proximity to the underlying Canadian Shield may also suggest potential for basement-derived hydrogen migration via deep-seated faults and shear zones. Salt deposits (Elk Point Group - Prairie evaporites, Cold Lake, and Lotsberg) and deep shales (e.g., Kaskapau, Lea Park, Wapiabi), provide effective cap rock potential, while reservoirs like porous sandstone (e.g. Dunvegan, Spirit River, Cardium) and fractured carbonate (e.g. Keg River) formations offer favorable accumulation conditions. Hydrogen occurrences in relation to geological features identify Southern, Eastern, and West-Central plains as prominent natural Hydrogen generation and accumulation areas. Alberta’s established energy infrastructure, as well as subsurface expertise, positions it as a potential leader in natural hydrogen exploration. As Alberta’s first systematic investigation, this study provides a preliminary assessment of natural hydrogen potential and outlines recommended next steps to guide future exploration and research. Targeted research on specific generation and accumulation mechanisms, and source identification through isotopic and geochemical fingerprinting, will be crucial for exploration, de-risking, and viability assessment in support of net-zero emission initiatives.