Scientists discover recipe to harness Earth’s hydrogen power for 170,000 years
The hydrogen demand is set to skyrocket, potentially reaching a trillion-dollar market by 2050
Over the past billion years, the Earth’s continental crust has generated a massive amount of hydrogen. Theoretically, this could be enough to power humanity for at least 170,000 years.
For a world striving for a low-carbon future, this discovery, detailed by researchers at the University of Oxford, Durham University, and the University of Toronto, could be a game-changer.
They have identified the specific geological conditions necessary for natural hydrogen to build up within the Earth’s crust.
Professor Chris Ballentine, lead author from the University of Oxford, said:
One successful exploration recipe that is repeatable will unlock a commercially competitive, low-carbon hydrogen source that would significantly contribute to the energy transition,
“We have the right experience to combine these ingredients and find that recipe.”
Finding natural hydrogen
Recent discoveries indicate that hydrogen reservoirs may be located in numerous areas globally, with evidence suggesting their presence in at least 30 states within the U.S.
However, the understanding of where and how much natural hydrogen exists has been limited.
This study details the essential factors for creating an effective exploration recipe for natural hydrogen.
Just as experts have developed strategies for finding helium, this research provides a “first principles” approach to hydrogen exploration.
This “recipe” considers everything. For instance, it includes hydrogen production rates, the types of rocks and environments where it forms, how it moves underground, what allows hydrogen gas fields to develop, and what causes hydrogen to be lost.
Moreover, understanding the factors that preserve hydrogen is equally important.
Professor Barbara Sherwood Lollar, study co-author from the University of Toronto, said:
We know, for example, that underground microbes readily feast on hydrogen.
“Avoiding environments that bring them into contact with the hydrogen is important in preserving hydrogen in economic accumulations,”
Despite some speculation, this research suggests that practical sources of natural hydrogen are not restricted to Earth’s mantle.
The study reveals that the necessary conditions for natural hydrogen systems exist in various common geological environments within the Earth’s crust.
These hydrogen sources can be relatively young (millions of years old) or very old (hundreds of millions of years old). And importantly, distributed globally.
There are numerous natural processes that can produce hydrogen, with a basic one being a chemical reaction that separates water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The need for hydrogen to cut emissions
Today, hydrogen is a $135 billion industry. The demand is set to skyrocket, potentially reaching a trillion-dollar market by 2050.
The current dominant method of producing hydrogen depends on hydrocarbons, which unfortunately releases 2.4% of global CO2 emissions.
A reliable hydrogen supply is essential for modern society. It is essential for producing important industrial chemicals like methanol and ammonia (a key ingredient in fertilizers). Additionally, hydrogen has the potential to help us move away from fossil fuels by powering vehicles and electricity generation.
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A separate study by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences suggests that mountain ranges may contain significant natural hydrogen reserves.
According to the modeling, mountain range zones where deep mantle rocks are close to the surface are promising sites for hydrogen production.
Mountain ranges like the Pyrenees, Alps, and parts of the Himalayas are identified as potential hydrogen hotspots.
The findings were published in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment.
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Scientists discover recipe to harness Earth’s hydrogen power for 170,000 years, source
