From Rocks to Watts: Extracting White Hydrogen as a Clean & Economical Energy So

1. FromRockstoWatts:ExtractingWhiteHydrogenasa Clean & EconomicalEnergySolution Overview: Hydrogen has emerged as a major game changer in the quest for a greener and more sustainable future. Its potential as a clean and adaptable energy carrier has sparkedconsiderableinterest,andorganizationsfromvariousindustriesareeager to explore the numerous opportunities it offers. While technology developers and solution providersaroundthe world arecurrentlyfocusing ontechnological advancesinthegreenandbluehydrogenproductionspace,IeBanalystsanticipate that white/geologic hydrogen production will see rapid and significant growth in thenearfuture.Ithasvariousadvantagesoverotherforms ofhydrogen production techniques, including lower carbon intensity, less water usage, lower energy requirements, and more. As a result, geologic hydrogen production has received a lot of interest recently, with industry leaders and governments looking intothepotentialopportunities it offers. Historyinanutshell: Thoughgeologichydrogenseeps,suchastheFlamesofChimaera inTurkey,have been knownforcenturies,the understandingofhydrogen-rich gasseeps developed in the late 19th century when Dmitri Mendeleev, the father of the periodic table,discoveredhydrogen-richgas in acoalmine. Inthe early 20th century,while exploring oil wellsin South Australia, high concentrations of hydrogen gas were found. However, these discoveries were overlooked as the primary goal was to uncover hydrocarbons. Later, in 1987, a waterborehole in Malihitahydrogenreservoirwitharemarkable98%purity. Why is GeologicHydrogen gainingtraction? Fossil fuels are recognized as a key energy source to generate hydrogen due to their easy accessibility and simple apparatus requirements. However, their ability to cause environmental pollution is a major concern. On the contrary, The earth naturallyreplenishesupto23Mt/yearor30%oftoday’sannualhydrogendemand through oxidation-reduction processes involved in geologic hydrogen production. Ithasthepotentialtopowerelectricalgrids,runfactories,heathomes,andpropel vehicles whenpaired withafuelcell. Various hydrogenproduction methodshave beenexplored, suchascoal gasification, steam-methane reforming (SMR), water electrolysis, metal oxide cycle,methanepyrolysis,etc.Butunlikeotherformsofhydrogen,white/geologic hydrogen—sometimes called native, gold, or natural hydrogen—is considered significantly cost-effective and is sourced through and produced via diversified approaches. Six different ways through which hydrogen is produced naturally are brieflyexplained:

2. Radiolysis Radioactiveelements,such as uranium,thorium,orpotassium,inthe crystalline basementrocks in theEarth’scrustdecomposewatermolecules trappedin causinga hydrogenpocket, as in SouthAustralia. Serpentinization Serpentinizationinvolvesliberatinghydrogen-richfluidduetotheweatheringof mineralolivinein mid-oceanridgesorophiolites.Inthis geological formation, sections of theEarth’s mantle riseabove sealevel.This hasbeenwitnessedin theSemailophioliteintheHajar MountainsofOman. Deepdegassing Deep degassinginvolvestheescapingof“primary” hydrogen(asinglehydrogen atom attachedto asinglecarbon atom)fromdeepwithin theEarth’s crust, situated inNebraska,US Ironreductionand sulfuroxidation Inthisphenomenon,ferric iron inablacksmoker(asubseahydrothermalvent formed fromiron sulfidedeposits) is reduced to ferrous ironandhydrogen sulfides. Thermaldecompositionoforganicmatter In the deep-sea thermal decomposition process, ammonium compounds in deep sediments decompose under high temperatures to form hydrogen and nitrogen. Forexample,in hydrogen-nitrogen gas seepsin Oman Biologicalactivity Specific microbial species inhabiting the Earth’s crust produce hydrogen. These microorganismsarefoundviasediment oraquifers.Thishasbeenobservedin thePowderRiverBasincoalbedsin Montana,US. Comparativeassessmentofdifferent typesofhydrogen: Comparativeassessmentofwhite,grey,blue,green,andyellowhydrogenisbeing conductedintermsofenvironmentalimpact,externalenergy&waterinputs, and surfacedisruption.Whitehydrogenis consideredthe mosteconomicaland relatively cleaner option. Each form has merits and challenges, with white and greenhydrogenbeingthemostenvironmentallyfriendly.Greyandbluehydrogen incorporatecarboncapturetoreducetheircarbonfootprint. Also,yellowhydrogen production raises safety and waste disposal concerns associated with nuclear energy.

3. Conclusion: IEBS expertsarewell-versedincomprehendingthe broadrange of decarbonizationtechniques, renewableenergytechnology,andinnovative solutions contributing to a greener and more resilient future. Weare committed to offering meaningful insights and help to organizations and individuals on their journey towards a low-carbon and sustainable society, with a strong emphasis on research, analysis, and staying current on the newest developments. Whether it's navigating policy changes, implementing clean energy solutions, or adopting carbonreductionmeasures,westandreadytobeyourtrustedpartnerinachieving a successfuldecarbonization strategy. Doyou wantto knowhowgeologichydrogencouldserve asapromising alternativetogreenhydrogen,whichislikelytobeadoptedacrossvariousindustry segments, and how IEBS can help you identify new play areas in this space that maysynergizewithyourexistingtechnologicalknow-how,products,andservices, therebypositivelyimpacting yourrevenue? Reach out toourindustryexpertsby emailingthematcontact@iebrain.com.