System approach to natural versus manufactured hydrogen: An interdisciplinary perspective on a new primary energy source

Lapi, Thomas; Chatzimpiros, Petros; Raineau, Laurence; Prinzhofer, Alain

doi:10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.05.039

Cited by 26 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…In order to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO 2 , many countries are aiming for a new energy mix that includes dihydrogen (H 2 ) as a fuel. Hydrogen could be manufactured, but natural hydrogen is potentially a cheaper and cleaner alternative [1][2][3]. After the discovery of H 2 in Mali [4], exploration is now active in various countries such as Australia [5][6][7] or the USA [8].…”

Section: Introduction 1natural H 2 Role and Presencementioning

confidence: 99%

Subduction and Hydrogen Release: The Case of Bolivian Altiplano

Moretti

Baby²,

Zapata³

et al. 2023

Geosciences

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Natural hydrogen is known to be generated in the crust by water/rock interactions, especially the oxidation of iron-rich rock or radiolysis. However, other sources, especially deeper ones, exist. In the context of subduction, the dehydration of the slab, the destabilization of the NH4, and the hydration of the mantle wedge above the subducting lithosphere may generate H2. We present here a compilation of the known gases in the central part of the Pacific subduction and the results of a first field acquisition dedicated to H2 measurements in Bolivia between La Paz and South Lipez. Various zones have been studied: the emerging thrust faults of the western borders of the Eastern Cordillera, the Sajama area that corresponds to the western volcanic zone near the Chile border northward from the Uyuni Salar, and finally, the Altiplano-Puna Volcanic Complex in South Lipez. Soil gas measurement within and around the Salar itself was not fully conclusive. North of the Uyuni Salar, the gases are very rich in CO2, enriched in N2 and poor in H2. On the opposite, southward, all the samples contain some H2; the major gas is nitrogen, which may overpass 90% after air correction, and the CO2 content is very limited. On the western border of the Cordillera, the δC13 isotope varies between −5 and −13‰, and it is not surprisingly compatible with volcanic gas, as well as with asthenospheric CO2. The methane content is close to 0, and only a few points reach 1%. The isotopes (−1‰) indicate an abiotic origin, and it is thus related to deep H2 presence. The high steam flow in the geothermal area of South Lipez combined with the H2 content in the water results in at least 1 ton of H2 currently released per day from each well and may deserve an evaluation of its economic value. The nitrogen content, as in other subduction or paleo-subduction areas, questions the slab alteration.

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Section: Introduction 1natural H 2 Role and Presencementioning

confidence: 99%

Subduction and Hydrogen Release: The Case of Bolivian Altiplano

Moretti

Baby²,

Zapata³

et al. 2023

Geosciences

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“…Dihydrogen (H 2 ) is a key element in the energy transition and is often used as an energy carrier (e.g., for storage) rather than as a primary energy source (Moretti, 2019;Lapi et al, 2022). At present, H 2 is produced primarily from hydrocarbons through a process that emits high volumes of CO 2 ; this is known as "grey" hydrogen (Prinzhofer and Rigollet, 2022).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural hydrogen potential and basaltic alteration in the Asal–Ghoubbet rift, Republic of Djibouti

Pasquet¹,

Idriss²,

Ronjon-Magand³

et al. 2023

BSGF - Earth Sci. Bull.

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The Asal–Ghoubbet active rift in the Republic of Djibouti is a site of interest for geothermal energy and natural hydrogen, and previous studies have indicated that dihydrogen (H2) emanates from this rift. However, the well-known serpentinization reaction does not appear to be the main mechanism generating H2 at this site. Rather, the H2 is generated as follows: (1) by alteration of basaltic lava at depth via reaction with seawater flowing from Ghoubbet Bay towards Lake Asal; (2) by simple degassing of the volcanic chamber located a few kilometers below the Fiale Caldera in the rift axis; or (3) as a result of pyritization processes via the oxidation of H2S. Analysis of microorganisms did not indicate any production or consumption of H2, CO2, or CH4; therefore, it is unlikely that microorganisms affected H2 gas contents measured at the surface. However, air contamination at fumaroles is typically considerable and may limit interpretation of such processes. Drill cuttings from the Fiale 1 (F1) and Gale le Goma 1 (Glc1) wells (located on the inner and outer rift margins, respectively) were analyzed to determine where H2 is generated. Total rock analyses indicated distinct zones at depths of 464 m and 280 m for F1 and Glc1, respectively, representing the boundary between the Asal and Stratoïd Basalts. 57Fe Mössbauer analyses show a decrease in the percentage of Fe3+ at depth, indicating that Fe2+-rich material, particularly in the Stratoïd Basalts, may be a source of H2. Based on well data from the rift center and the outer rift margin, it is evident that H2 is present at the surface in the rift axis and that this area offers good remnant potential because of the presence of Fe-rich chlorite. Conversely, few H2 emissions were measured at the surface on the outer rift margins, although well data showed some H2 (~0.25%) at depth. The presence of a cap rock in the rift axis has not yet been proven; however, the high loss on ignition and the mineralogy in well Glc1 may indicate that the rocks are sufficiently altered to offer potential as a seal. If so, the rift margins would offer greater exploration potential than the rift center.

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“…Now another RE source is being proposed. The existence of fires from naturally occurring hydrogen (H2) seeps has been recognized for centuries, but recently, attempts have been made to understand the various processes by which it is formed, and how it could be utilised as an energy source 3 of 20 [33][34][35]. Some advocates have even suggested that it could supply the world with an inexhaustible supply of zero-carbon energy [33].…”

Section: Introduction: the Environmental Challenges Facing Earthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Even if the figure of 23 Mt of H2 seeping to the Earth's surface is an underestimate, it must be remembered that much of this seepage will occur along mid-oceanic ridges and other inaccessible places. So far, the first and only commercial application is in supplying electricity to a village in Mali [34].…”

Section: Introduction: the Environmental Challenges Facing Earthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Reductions Are Incompatible With Economic Growth

Moriarty¹,

Moriarty²

2023

Preprint

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Our planet faces several serious and urgent challenges to sustainability, not just climate change. Most researchers argue that technological solutions can solve these problems. This review paper first examines the prospects for decoupling environmental damages in general from economic growth, considered at the global level, then looks at whether the recent advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can help. It is argued that although absolute decoupling might have occurred in some countries, even after accounting for energy-intensive imports, it has not occurred at the global level, which is the relevant level for global sustainability problems. This conclusion is strengthened by the very high correlation over the past three decades found between GDP and several parameters relevant for sustainability, particularly for atmospheric CO2 ppm and ecological footprint as a function of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ICT innovations relevant to energy use include smart grids and smart cities, especially smart urban transport. A review of recently published papers shows no definite findings of energy or carbon reduction, although some innovations show energy/carbon reduction potential, if given strong policy support. However, the needed policies could well give marked reductions even without ICT approaches. Overall, it is concluded that Earth’s sustainability challenges will necessitate deep energy reductions, which in turn require profound sociopolitical changes.

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System approach to natural versus manufactured hydrogen: An interdisciplinary perspective on a new primary energy source

Cited by 26 publications

References 65 publications

Subduction and Hydrogen Release: The Case of Bolivian Altiplano

Subduction and Hydrogen Release: The Case of Bolivian Altiplano

Natural hydrogen potential and basaltic alteration in the Asal–Ghoubbet rift, Republic of Djibouti

Energy Reductions Are Incompatible With Economic Growth

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