Researchers have compiled a list of essential ingredients that could help companies locate huge reservoirs of clean hydrogen, a critical element in the transition away from fossil fuels. According to scientists, Earth’s crust has produced enough hydrogen over 1 billion years to meet current energy needs for 170,000 years.
The “recipe” includes three key elements: a source of hydrogen, reservoir rocks, and natural seals that trap the gas underground. The simplest process involves splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen through chemical reactions that occur in various types of rocks.
Researchers have identified promising locations, including the mid continental rift in Kansas, which created a huge accumulation of rocks that can react with water to form hydrogen. Ophiolite complexes, large igneous provinces, and Archaean greenstone belts are also potential targets for exploration.
The conditions discussed in the review provide a starting point for companies to develop their exploration strategies, taking into account processes such as hydrogen migration and destruction underground. However, environments where bacteria can feed on hydrogen-producing rocks may not be ideal places to search for reservoirs.
Clean hydrogen from underground reservoirs has a significantly smaller carbon footprint compared to today’s manufactured gas. Following the “ingredient list” is now the focus in finding these massive reservoirs of clean energy.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/geology/scientists-think-a-hidden-source-of-clean-energy-could-power-earth-for-170-000-years-and-theyve-figured-out-the-recipe-to-find-it