New Zealand to regulate white and orange hydrogen

The New Zealand Coalition Government has agreed to regulate white and orange hydrogen through the Natural Environment Act framework. This decision aims to provide regulatory certainty for industry, landowners, and communities to encourage exploration and investment in these emerging energy resources.

White hydrogen, or natural hydrogen, occurs underground, while orange hydrogen is produced through chemical reactions within certain rock formations. Both are viewed as potential low-emission energy sources for hard-to-electrify sectors, such as industrial processes, chemical production, and fuel.

Under the proposed framework, the Crown will manage access to these resources without claiming ownership, following a model similar to geothermal energy. This approach is intended to provide a workable pathway for investment while detailed policy design continues. Experts have noted that New Zealand possesses abundant ultramafic rocks capable of natural hydrogen generation, which could offer a lower-cost alternative to electrolysis-derived green hydrogen.