New Mexico Tech and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) are teaming up on an exciting new project. They’ve been awarded $1.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program. This money will help them explore the potential of geologic hydrogen—a clean, low-cost energy source.
What is Geologic Hydrogen?
Geologic hydrogen is hydrogen gas that can be produced from mineral deposits deep underground. The project aims to discover new ways to stimulate these mineral deposits to produce hydrogen efficiently. This type of hydrogen production could play a significant role in reducing emissions and creating new jobs in various communities.
The GeoHydRA Project
The main project, called GeoHydRA (Geochemical and Hydromechanical Stimulation for Reaction Acceleration), will focus on early-stage research to advance hydrogen production. Dr. Sai Wang, the lead researcher from New Mexico Tech, explains:
“We’re developing technologies to stimulate hydrogen production in rocks rich in olivine. Our work combines lab experiments and computer modeling to understand how to enhance and control these reactions.”
The project will explore how to create cracks in these rocks to increase hydrogen production. By perfecting the method of injecting fluids into these rocks, they hope to maintain high hydrogen production rates over time.
Goals and Benefits
The primary goal is to develop a reliable method for producing hydrogen from underground rocks. If successful, this could lead to more efficient and sustainable hydrogen production, supporting President Biden’s climate and decarbonization goals.
This project not only aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also hopes to create good-paying jobs and boost the economy in various regions across the nation.
The Grant Details
The funding comes from the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E program under the grant titled “Geochemical and Hydromechanical Stimulation for Reaction Acceleration (GeoHydRA) of Serpentinization for In Situ Hydrogen Production.” This marks the first time the U.S. government has selected teams to research this cutting-edge technology.
In summary, this project represents a significant step towards a cleaner energy future, leveraging the potential of geologic hydrogen to meet both economic and environmental goals.
