Policy Paper: Geogenic Hydrogen – a Contribution to the Energy Transition?
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.
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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