Hydrogen is considered an essential component of the energy transition. However, althoughit burns without emitting greenhouse gasesthe same is not true for its production. Hydrogen is said to be green when it comes from an electrolysis process powered by renewable energies. It is a sustainable form of this gas considered to be the “white gold” of the 21st century. However, it must be noted that to date, most of the hydrogen available on the market comes from processes involving the use of fossil fuels. This is particularly the case for black hydrogen, gray hydrogen and blue hydrogen which are far from clean.
Hydrogen in the depths of the Earth?
For its part, thewhite hydrogen is directly available in nature. Its production therefore does not emit carbon. In a new study published in the journal Science Advancesscientists from the US Geological Survey (USGS), in the United States, suggest that large deposits of white hydrogen could be found under our feet. Concretely, they affirm that the Earth could contain in its bowels nearly 6.2 billion tons of hydrogen. This naturally available gas is mainly found in underground reservoirs. It would also be present in certain rocks buried in the ground. According to the lead author of the study, Geoffrey Ellispetroleum geochemist at the USGS, the exploitation of these reserves could allow us to free ourselves from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas.
A surprise discovery
White hydrogen is a sustainable fuel that can be used to power transportation and industrial processes. Likewise, it can provide electricity. USGS researchers conducted their study following the discovery of significant hydrogen reserves in West Africa and Albania. Indeed, the global scientific community has always believed that hydrogen could not accumulate in large quantities underground. “Throughout my career, the paradigm was that hydrogen is there, it exists, but it's a very small molecule, so it easily escapes through small pores and cracks and rocks.”suggested Geoffrey Ellis.
Reserves sufficient for at least 200 years
The US Geological Survey team does not yet know the exact locations of the deposits. But according to her, it is very likely that they are buried deep underground. Moreover, as part of the study, researchers identified only 2% of the potential hydrogen resources available on the planet, which represents approximately 112 billion tons of gas. But even this quantity would be sufficient to meet our energy needs for at least two centuries.
If exploited, these sites could allow us to completely do without polluting fossil fuels, which would be beneficial for the environment by contributing to carbon neutrality. More info: science.org. Under what conditions will this research and exploitation of these hydrogen deposits be carried out, because if this fuel is extracted to the detriment of the environment as is the case for many mining sites, is this reasonable? I invite you to give us your opinion, your comments or point out an error in the text, click here to post a comment.
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