Numerical modelling of hydrogen generation from ultra-basic and radioactive source rocks in the Münchberg Massif and Fichtelgebirge, northern Bavaria

Hydrogen is regarded as an important part of our future emission free energy mix. Naturally occurring hydrogen could be a good candidate for the pursued energy mix as it does not need to be produced in an energy-intensive way. Many hydrogen seeps have been studied to characterise the concentrations and fluxes of the emanations and link these to the underlying rocks. Different multi-disciplinary methods are necessary to characterize the different aspects of a hydrogen generation system. However, further research into the hydrogen production potential of various rocks and settings is necessary. In our study, we applied numerical modelling to a 2D cross section in northern Bavaria (Münchberger Masse, Münchberg Massif) and integrated our current geological knowledge on the formation of the Münchberg Massif as well as literature data and own new measurements on rock samples. Based on the collected data we calculated several scenarios of hydrogen formation and transport during the geological evolution of the area and for the present day situation using the software TerrantaLab & TerrantaFlow. Possible hydrogen-generating rocks are the serpentinites and orthogneisses of the Münchberg Massif. Carboniferous granites of the Fichtelgebirge, which outcrop adjacent to the Münchberg Massif, could also generate hydrogen at greater depths. We present several scenarios of hydrogen formation to gain a better understanding of the decisive processes for natural hydrogen generation in the study area.