Titel „Geogenic Hydrogen – a Contribution to the Energy Transition?“ über Foto von Flammen auf Felsen. Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Oktober 2024.
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Policy Paper: Geogenic Hydrogen – a Contribution to the Energy Transition?

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To stop the main driver of the climate crisis, the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels remains top priority. For certain applications such as steel production and transport by sea and air, hydrogen and its derivatives will play a key role. Up to now, the focus for the energy transition of these sectors has been on green hydrogen that is produced by electrolysis on the basis of electricity generated from renewable sources. However, it remains an expensive and scarce solution. Recent reports have raised the interest in geogenic hydrogen that can be found in certain geological formations. We wanted to know more about this hydrogen, its potential and risks. With this paper the geologist Stefan Cramer gives us an useful first introduction into the current state of knowledge. 

Product details
Date of Publication
November 2024
Publisher
Heinrich Böll Foundation
Number of Pages
32
Licence
Language of publication
English
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 

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