Among various types of hydrogen, geologic hydrogen is drawing attention due to its potential to power the Earth with minimal environmental impact.
This type of hydrogen is naturally occurring and can be found beneath the Earth’s surface, produced through processes such as the chemical reaction between water and iron-containing minerals.
Geologic hydrogen is different from the hydrogen commonly used in today’s energy sector. Typically, hydrogen is produced through industrial processes like water electrolysis or from natural gas in a method called steam methane reforming, both of which require significant energy inputs and can involve carbon emissions. In contrast, geologic hydrogen is naturally formed and does not require human intervention during its initial production phase.
The formation of geologic hydrogen primarily occurs through serpentinization, a geological process where water interacts with certain types of rock, primarily peridotite, found in the Earth’s mantle. When water infiltrates these minerals, a series of chemical reactions occur, generating hydrogen gas. This process can happen over millions of years, continuously replenishing hydrogen reserves in the subsurface.
Geologic hydrogen’s potential as an energy source lies in its abundance and sustainability. Since it’s generated naturally and continually, tapping into these reserves could provide a steady supply of zero-carbon energy. Additionally, extracting geologic hydrogen is expected to have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional hydrogen production methods, which often rely on fossil fuels.
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