Over maturing organic hydrocarbon source rocks generates H2

• Hydrocarbon source rocks, deposited in the subsurface, generate oil and/or gas when being exposed to high temperatures and pressure (thermal maturation process).

• Excessive temperatures (more then ~400dC) over a prolonged period results in the generation of H2 as part of the fusing of aromatic kerogens. Above ~650dC, H2 is the only product generated from thermal maturation process of organic material.

• This process is independent of the type of organic hydrocarbon source rocks.

• In petroleum basins, this process could lead to significant volumes of H2 being generated.