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https://www.yahoo.com/news/went-hunting-fossil-fuels-found-050016262.html
Skip the hype on implications, and instead focus on the geology and geochemistry.
This is one of those TIL bits of information.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/went-hunting-fossil-fuels-found-050016262.htmlJacques Pironon and Phillipe De Donato, both directors of research at France’s National Centre of Scientific Research, were assessing the amount of methane in the subsoils of the Lorraine mining basin using a “world first” specialized probe, able to analyze gases dissolved in the water of rock formations deep underground.
A couple of hundred meters down, the probe found low concentrations of hydrogen. “This was not a real surprise for us,” Pironon told CNN; it’s common to find small amounts near the surface of a borehole. But as the probe went deeper, the concentration ticked up. At 1,100 meters down it was 14%, at 1,250 meters it was 20%.
'White' hydrogen deposits have been found throughout the world, including in the US, eastern Europe, Russia, Australia, Oman, as well as France and Mali.
Geological deposits of hydrogen refer to natural accumulations of hydrogen gas within the Earth's crust. These deposits are typically found in underground formations such as depleted oil and gas fields, aquifers, or salt caverns. Hydrogen can be either of biogenic origin, produced by the action of microorganisms on organic materials, or of abiogenic origin, resulting from geological processes such as the reaction of water with certain minerals under high temperatures and pressures.
Hydrogen extraction from geological deposits typically involves drilling wells into the formations where the hydrogen is stored. The gas can then be brought to the surface using techniques similar to those used in natural gas extraction, such as pumping. In some cases, technologies like carbon dioxide injection may be used to enhance the recovery of hydrogen. The extracted hydrogen gas is then purified and compressed for storage and transportation.
Hydrogen extracted from geological deposits can be used in a variety of applications. It is primarily seen as a clean energy carrier, with potential uses in fuel cells for electricity generation, transportation fuel for vehicles, and as a raw material in various industrial processes, including the production of ammonia and refining of metals. Hydrogen's role in helping to decarbonize sectors like transportation and industry is considered crucial for achieving future sustainability goals.
The environmental impacts of extracting hydrogen from geological deposits are generally lower compared to fossil fuels. However, impacts do exist and can include land disturbance from drilling operations, potential groundwater contamination, and the release of methane or other greenhouse gases if not properly managed. The overall environmental footprint largely depends on the methods used for extraction, processing, and transport, as well as the source of energy used in these processes.
Storing and transporting hydrogen presents several challenges due to its high flammability and low density. High-pressure tanks or cryogenic temperatures are typically required to store hydrogen in a compact form. Transporting hydrogen can be done via pipelines, trucks, or ships, each method having its own set of technical and safety challenges. Additionally, the existing infrastructure for hydrogen transport and storage is currently less developed compared to other fuels, necessitating significant investment to scale up for widespread use.