The New Gold Rush: Searching for Hydrogen Reserves Beneath the Kansas Prairie
Key Ideas
  • Startups in Kansas, supported by investors like Bill Gates, are exploring for naturally occurring hydrogen which could revolutionize the energy transition.
  • The hunt for geologic hydrogen involves significant risk and the challenge of diverting limited climate venture capital, but the potential benefits are immense.
  • Researchers and companies globally are investing in identifying and accessing hydrogen reserves underground, with the hope of reducing costs and emissions related to hydrogen production.
  • Despite the uncertainty surrounding the commercial prospects of geologic hydrogen, continued exploration and technology advancements are key to unlocking its potential as a clean energy source.
A new Gold Rush is unfolding in Kansas as startups, including Koloma, backed by investors like Bill Gates, are exploring the prairie for naturally occurring hydrogen reserves. The Midcontinent Rift in Kansas holds promise due to its geological characteristics. The search for geologic hydrogen is gaining momentum globally, with companies like Fortescue Ltd. investing in startups like HyTerra. The potential of finding vast quantities of naturally occurring hydrogen could lead to a significant shift in the energy transition. Researchers, such as Geoffery Ellis from the USGS, are working to estimate the amount of hydrogen present underground, with the hope of meeting future energy demands for centuries. While the hunt for geologic hydrogen poses risks and challenges in terms of cost and technology, the potential benefits are substantial. Prospectors are employing a mix of traditional methods and advanced technologies, including machine learning, to locate hydrogen reservoirs. The US and Australia are key locations for exploration due to supportive regulatory environments. However, the commercial viability of geologic hydrogen remains uncertain, and the industry is striving to reduce production costs to meet growing demand. Despite the current high cost of green hydrogen production, efforts are being made to achieve the Department of Energy's goal of $1 per kilogram, which could significantly boost the industry. The hydrogen sector, currently utilizing 94 million metric tons annually, is poised for growth if costs can be reduced. Continued research, exploration, and technological innovations are essential in realizing geologic hydrogen's potential as a clean energy source.
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