Is gold hydrogen a plentiful alternative to other energy sources? Does it – as geologists describe it: have significant potential and the ability to ignite a “gold rush-like” energy frenzy?
That might be a stretch, but gold – like its “sibling” white hydrogen – could solve numerous hydrogen production problems.
Koloma – a Bill Gates-backed startup is betting on it.
“Geologic hydrogen represents an exceptional chance to harvest clean hydrogen in a way that significantly scales back not just carbon footprints but also land and water usage, along with energy consumption,” said Paul Harraka, Koloma’s chief business officer.
So what is gold hydrogen?
It’s hydrogen extracted from natural geological processes that is produced when water and specific minerals interact below the earth’s surface. Numerous articles stated that gold and white hydrogen are interchangeable terms. However, the International Electrotechnical Commission indicates that there’s a difference, as highlighted in the video. Significant deposits of gold hydrogen have been found in Albania and Mali.
The “rush” to gold hydrogen was set off when the Department of Energy announced a $20 million funding opportunity. The same month the U.S. Geological Survey and the Colorado School of Mines formed a research consortium that includes Chevron and BP.
“The potential is huge,” said Geoffrey Ellis, a USGS research geologist.
The strategy is to extract the hydrogen through wells, much like oil and natural gas. Ellis believes there could be 5 million megatons worldwide. He believes that if we can extract just 2% of it, we could reach net-zero emissions for 200 years.
If I had a nickel every time I read a business plan that said: all we need is 1% market share to make millions.
The USGS model points to the Great Plains and Upper Midwest (aka the Midcontinental Rift) as potential prime locations for gold hydrogen. Unfortunately, the model can’t pinpoint exactly where to drill.
Why did the saying “needle in a haystack” just pop into my head?
Finding it is one challenge. The bigger challenge is economically getting it out of the ground. Texas startup Cemvita believes gold hydrogen could ultimately cost less than $1/kg.
I think another nickel should be deposited in my piggybank.
Other concerns exist. On the environmental side methane could be released alongside the hydrogen. There are also questions about purity.
Bottom line: I support the effort to determine if hydrogen can be a major contributor to our net-zero goals. However, like many aspects of the hydrogen effort, there are numerous technical challenges to overcome. Gold hydrogen is no different.
With that said, the same was true of wind and solar 30 years ago, or any nascent technology. You have to start somewhere. The potential hydrogen holds, in my opinion, is worth the bet.
#hydrogen #hydrogenpower #whitehydrogen #goldhydrogen #koloma #cemvita
