Scientists discover large supplies of clean fuel under mountains
Scientists discover large supplies of clean fuel under mountains
A new study indicates that large occurrences of
white hydrogen has gained attention in recent years because it has the potential to replace fossil fuels that contribute to global warming. Only for a few decades does science have brought this powerful energy source, which is also known as "natural" or "geological" hydrogen, with great occurrence in the earth's crust. geologists have examined how white hydrogen is created and where it could be found. One of the greatest challenges was to find out where there are sufficient quantities to cover the insatiable energy requirements of humanity. To find answers, a team of scientists used computer models to simulate the movements of the tectonic plates of the earth. These simulations helped identify regions in which the ideal conditions for the production of white hydrogen are present. The Pyrenees and the Alps were identified as potential hotspots, as in the study on Wednesday Advances published, is shown. hydrogen, which only generates water when burning, has long been considered an environmentally friendly fuel, especially for energy -intensive industries such as aviation and steel production. However, the majority of the commercially produced hydrogen is obtained from fossil fuels, which neutralizes its climate -friendly properties. The interest in white hydrogen can probably be traced back to the random discovery of 1987 in Mali. A water well exploded there when a worker leaned over the edge with a cigarette. The fountain was quickly covered and released in 2011, since then it has been supplied with a local village with hydrogen. white hydrogen has already been found in the USA, Australia and France, but the challenge was to discover large quantities. "We know that nature produces hydrogen, but it was never really researched as an option for energy production," explains Frank Zwaan, an author of the study and geologist at the Helmholtz Center for Geosciences in Germany. In view of the escalating climate crisis, however, the race for alternatives is becoming more and more urgent. The hydrogen naturally forms through different processes, including through radioactive decay in the earth's crust. Zwaan's team concentrated on "serpentineization", in which water interacted with iron -containing rocks from the ground mantle and generated hydrogen. These rocks are usually deep in the earth where water is not easily available. However, geological processes over millions of years can lead to being pressed to the surface. This happens under the oceans when continents separate, and even if continents collide, which means that ocean basins are closed and coat rocks are pushed up. The scientists use modeling of the tectonic plates to find out where and when this coat rock was "exhumed" and in what quantities. They found that certain mountain ranges, including the Pyrenees, the Alps and parts of the Himalayas, offer good conditions to produce white hydrogen, since large quantities are present at low temperatures and enable deep faults. The available quantities of coat rock in mountains could indicate that white hydrogen could "be a turning point," said Zwaan. The big question is now where large deposits of white hydrogen are bored. It could also be possible to artificially promote the serpentine by pumping water into areas where coat rocks are near the surface. The potential of white hydrogen
research on the creation and availability
Since then, modeling for the identification of occurrence
sustainability by hydrogen
history of discovery
global occurrences and challenges
natural formation of hydrogen
The role of geographical processes
modeling of the tectonic plates
white hydrogen as a player
The future of the hydrogen industry
Current explorations
Early explorations are already taking place in areas such as France, the Balkan States and the USA. This new research can help geologists identify regions with the greatest potential for extensive resources of white hydrogen. This is expected to have "direct and significant influence on geological hydrogen research", says Ellis.
steps to establish an industry
There are many steps to create a sustainable white hydrogen industry, including the development of reliable and economic methods for the extraction and the infrastructure for storing and transport. Zwaan emphasizes that it will probably take decades to commercialize this. "We shouldn't expect it to be an immediate miracle cure."
optimism for the future
Nevertheless, it is optimistic. "For a while, oil was only a curiosity for the technology to apply it on a large scale," he explains. The same could also apply to white hydrogen.
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