Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have relied heavily on fossil fuels as their primary energy source. However, with atmospheric CO2 levels and global temperatures on the rise, governments worldwide are committing to limiting global warming. But if we must shift away from fossil fuels, what will take its place to meet our energy needs? The answer lies in Geologic Hydrogen. So, today, we’re exploring what Geologic Hydrogen is, its vast untapped potential, and how it could play a pivotal role in achieving global climate goals moving forward.
What is Geologic Hydrogen?
While hydrogen is already heavily used in places like oil refineries, chemical plants, and fertilizer manufacturers, the process of extracting hydrogen from natural gas is a dirty process that emits large amounts of CO2. Geologic Hydrogen, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring hydrogen that’s produced from a combination of iron-rich rock, water, and heated subsurface processes. Therefore, it doesn’t require any man-made processes and can be extracted without any CO2 emissions—an invaluable advantage over traditional fossil fuels and other methods. In other words, Geologic Hydrogen offers a near-zero carbon footprint as well as 24/7/365 availability, making it a low-cost, low-carbon energy alternative to fossil fuels that lies waiting just below the surface.
The Untapped Potential of Geologic Hydrogen
But what is the true untapped potential of our worldwide hydrogen reserves? Well, an unpublished study conducted by the US Geological Survey has revealed that there are up to 5 trillion tons of hydrogen stored in underground reserves across the globe. Understandably, geologists are calling it a new ‘gold rush’ era, not for the precious metal but for hydrogen, and it has sparked immense interest within the scientific community and beyond.
Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist with the Energy Resources Program (ERP) of the US Geological Survey, mentioned work has begun on finding ways to map and locate large reserves of hydrogen, stating: “Estimated global Geologic Hydrogen resources range from thousands to potentially billions of mega tonnes. Given our understanding of other geologic resources, most hydrogen accumulations are likely to occur in accumulations that are either too far offshore or too small to recover economically. However, if even a small fraction of this amount could be recovered it would be a vital resource” and could satisfy projected global demand of 500 million tons annually for centuries to come.
Combatting Climate Change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that it’s imperative to reach ‘Net Zero’ Emissions by 2050, and harnessing this clean hydrogen could play a key role in addressing climate change by enabling decarbonization in industries like transportation, agriculture, steel production, and more. In fact, if Geologic Hydrogen was implemented as a primary energy alternative now, it could prevent 80 gigatons of cumulative CO2 emissions by 2050.
Excitingly, several countries are already investing in Geologic Hydrogen research and development. For instance, the US Department of Energy (DOE) recently allocated $20 million across 16 projects in eight states to accelerate research into natural subsurface hydrogen generation. Plus, organizations like PureWave Hydrogen are at the forefront of this movement, dedicated to discovering and developing naturally occurring hydrogen resources across North America. Through cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships, PureWave Hydrogen aims to be a leader in the emerging hydrogen economy, transforming the energy landscape with sustainable alternatives to traditional fossil fuels.
Challenges and Opportunities
However, transitioning to Geologic Hydrogen is not without challenges. Significant investments in technology and infrastructure are needed to extract and utilize hydrogen effectively. The development of efficient storage and distribution systems is crucial, particularly to support widespread adoption in various sectors. Moreover, geopolitical considerations and regulatory frameworks must evolve to support the growth of a global hydrogen market. Despite these challenges, Geologic Hydrogen presents significant opportunities. Its scalability and potential to integrate with existing energy infrastructure make it a versatile option for achieving long-term energy security and environmental sustainability.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the potential of Geologic Hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source is immense. With up to 5 trillion tons of hydrogen stored underground, this transition could revolutionize the energy sector and drastically reduce our carbon footprint. As governments and organizations worldwide invest in the discovery and development of this resource, we are on the brink of a new era in energy production. By harnessing the power of Geologic Hydrogen, we can move away from fossil fuels, achieve our climate goals, and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Contributed by Bruce Nurse – Director and Founder of Purewave Hydrogen. Bruce has over 25 years of experience in corporate development and capital markets, specializing in strategic planning, execution, financing, and marketing of start-ups and oil and gas exploration companies. His professional journey is marked by a diverse portfolio, including significant roles in both private and public sectors. Mr. Nurse’s skill set includes private and secondary transactions, pre-IPO dealings, business development, oil and gas financing, and investor relations.
