E Paper: Could Geogenic ('white') Hydrogen contribute to the Energy Transition?
The rapid phase-out of fossil fuels is essential if we are to limit global heating and its catastrophic impacts. Hard-to-abate industries including steel production, chemical industries, marine and air transport are looking to renewable ('green') hydrogen - hydrogen synthesised from water with renewable energy. However, green hydrogen remains an expensive and scarce solution. Recent reports have raised interest in geogenic or 'white' hydrogen - naturally occurring hydrogen found in geological formations. In this E-Paper Dr. Stefan Cramer reviews the literature, evaluates its potential and risks, and provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on geogenic hydrogen and its potential role in the energy transition.
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Table of contents
Foreword 3
Geogenic Hydrogen – a Contribution to the Energy Transition? 4
A New Gold Rush for Hydrogen 6 Less Enthusiasm in Germany 12
What is Geogenic Hydrogen and how is it generated 14
Serpentinization: very widespread and well-studied 14
Radiolysis: Radioactive Decay of Minerals largely unknown 15
Oxidation of Iron-bearing Minerals: well-studied, but limited 15
Microbial Decomposition of Organic Matter: well-studied, but limited 15
Thermogenesis: Possible in Coal Fields 16
Mechanoradical Hydrogen Generation 16
Geogenic hydrogen as a renewable resource 17
Potential Cost of Geogenic Hydrogen – and its Timing 18
Environmental Considerations 19
Potential for Co-Generation in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) 24
Major Unknowns in Geogenic Hydrogen 26
Summary 28
Glossary 30