The US Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated funding assistance to Eden GeoPower, a leading geotechnical firm, to spearhead a groundbreaking project aimed at harnessing geologic hydrogen production in the Sultanate of Oman.
This initiative, poised to revolutionize the energy landscape, holds immense promise for advancing the global transition to sustainable fuel sources.
Geologic hydrogen, a zero-carbon fuel resource, is generated through the interaction of water with iron-rich rocks, particularly peridotite. Eden GeoPower’s innovative approach involves drilling into peridotite-rich sites in Oman’s Semail Ophiolite and injecting water to stimulate hydrogen production naturally. This process has the potential to yield significant quantities of hydrogen, with around 2 – 4 kg produced per cubic meter of peridotite rock.
To scale up geologic hydrogen production commercially, Eden GeoPower plans to deploy its patented Electrical Reservoir Stimulation (ERS) technology. Unlike conventional hydraulic fracturing methods, ERS technology boasts a lower carbon footprint and aims to crack rocks to enhance permeability. By experimenting with stimulation techniques on peridotite core samples, Eden aims to identify optimal conditions for hydrogen production.
Eden GeoPower’s project is among 16 initiatives selected by the DOE to accelerate the natural subsurface generation of hydrogen. This marks a significant milestone in the advancement of sustainable energy technologies, as it represents the first competitive selection of projects focused on this groundbreaking approach to hydrogen production.
Oman’s vast peridotite reserves, located within the expansive Semail Ophiolite, position the country as a key player in geologic hydrogen production. With effective permeability enhancement solutions, every cubic kilometer of iron-rich rock has the potential to yield approximately 5 million tonnes of geologic hydrogen annually, contributing significantly to global clean energy targets.
Experts highlight the pivotal role of geologic hydrogen in achieving the global Net Zero target by 2050. As the world strives to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources, initiatives like Eden GeoPower’s project in Oman represent crucial steps toward a sustainable and emissions-free future.
