A groundbreaking discovery has uncovered a vast, untapped source of clean energy beneath mountain ranges, where ‘geologic’ hydrogen can be extracted and harnessed as a sustainable alternative.
A clean energy source may be lurking beneath mountain ranges, and researchers are finally turning their attention to these regions as a potential store of ‘geologic‘ hydrogen. This form of hydrogen is generated through the reaction of certain minerals with water, producing a free green energy source.
Geologic hydrogen refers to hydrogen stored in the Earth's crust, often associated with minerals and water.
It can be extracted from underground reservoirs through various methods, including in situ extraction and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques.
Geologic hydrogen is considered a promising alternative energy source, offering a cleaner and more sustainable option compared to fossil fuels.
According to the US Geological Survey, significant geologic hydrogen deposits exist worldwide, particularly in sedimentary basins.
Research continues to improve extraction methods and reduce costs, making geologic hydrogen an increasingly viable option for the future.
The Role of Serpentinisation in Hydrogen Formation
During the formation and uplift of mountain ranges, some mantle rock can be brought close to the surface, where it reacts with water in a process called serpentinisation. This process is also found at mid-ocean ridges, but the temperature there is too low for hydrogen to be trapped. Under mountains, however, it is possible to drill down to areas with higher temperatures, making it an ideal location for preserving and extracting hydrogen.
Serpentinization is a geological process that occurs when ultramafic rocks, such as peridotites and dunites, interact with water-rich fluids.
This interaction leads to the formation of serpentine minerals, which replace the original rock structure.
The process releases hydrogen gas and methane, contributing to the Earth's atmospheric composition.
Serpentinization is a slow process that occurs over millions of years, often in areas where tectonic plates are being subducted or at mid-ocean ridges.
A Promising New Frontier
The Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Germany has modelled the uplift process, finding that large quantities of hydrogen could be generated under mountain ranges. The results support the idea that these regions are a significant source of clean energy. Researchers have already confirmed early findings from studies of some mountain ranges, including the Grisons area of the Alps in Switzerland and the northern Pyrenees.
While more research is needed to fully understand the potential for hydrogen formation beneath mountains, this new frontier offers a promising solution to our growing energy needs. By exploring these regions and developing new technologies, we may be able to unlock a vast source of clean energy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and helping to mitigate climate change.
Hydrogen formation is a crucial process in the universe, occurring in stars and during Big Bang nucleosynthesis.
It begins with the fusion of protons into deuterium, followed by the combination of deuterium and tritium to form helium-3.
Further reactions produce helium-4, which makes up about 24% of the universe's mass.
Hydrogen formation is essential for life on Earth, as it provides the energy source for our planet's ecosystem.
- newscientist.com | A clean energy source may be lurking beneath mountain ranges
