The Precious ‘White Gold’ Fuel Buried In The Earth
Natural hydrogen, sometimes referred to as “white gold” due to its ability to transform renewable energy, has emerged as a surprising rival in the fight to decarbonize the world from under our feet. White hydrogen is produced naturally underground and has the potential to be a cheap, plentiful, and carbon-free fuel the source, in contrast to conventional hydrogen production, which depends on fossil fuels or energy-intensive electrolysis.
What Is White Gold Fuel?
Natural hydrogen produced deep underground is known as “white gold fuel.” This hydrogen is produced naturally by the Earth, compared to the costly and harmful hydrogen produced in factories. It is created by the gradual breakdown of underground minerals or the reaction of specific stones with water.
There is no smoke, carbon dioxide, or air pollution when we use hydrogen as fuel; all that is produced is water vapor. It is considered as one of the purest fuels in the world.
How Was It Discovered?
In Mali, Africa, one of the most well-known discoveries was made. When a man smoked a cigarette next to a dry well in 1987, a blue flame came from nothing. Later, researchers discovered that the well was filled with pure hydrogen gas. Today, the nearby village is powered by this location, known as Bourakébougou.
Where Has White Hydrogen Been Found?
Since then, scientists have found white hydrogen in other countries like the USA, France, Spain, Australia, and Albania.
Why Is White Gold Fuel a Game Changer?
1.Abundant & Renewable:
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), 5.6 trillion tons of hydrogen may be buried below; if only 2% of that can be recovered, that would be enough to meet demand for 200 years.Although it hasn’t been confirmed, some experts think these reservoirs could naturally refill.
2.Cheaper Than Green Hydrogen:
White hydrogen may be recovered for just as $0.80 per kilogram, making it one of the most economical clean fuels. Green hydrogen, on the other hand, may be produced by electrolysis for about $3 to $5 per kilogram.
3.Zero Carbon Emissions:
Hydrogen is a clean alternative for fossil fuels since it only releases water vapor when it burns. Methane, which is present in some reservoirs that hold water could counteract the advantages if it leaks.
The Future of White Hydrogen:
White hydrogen could support renewable energy sources by providing clean fuel to companies that are difficult to decarbonize, even if it won’t be able to stop climate change on its own. Companies such as ExxonMobil, BP Ventures, and Koloma are already making major investments in hopes of a solution.
White gold fuel may be one of the finest solutions to the world’s constant hunt for better energy sources. It has a lot of potential and is clean and renewable. A brighter, greener future for everyone might be powered by this buried treasure under our feet with the correct research and investment.
Read More Article>https://www.climatechallange.com/how-a-small-asteroid-impact-could-change-modern-earth/