Iowa Explores Potential for New Hydrogen Economy by Drilling for Deep Underground ‘Geological Hydrogen’

Iowa State University News Service USA

Overview

Iowa, with state university support, is advancing exploratory drilling for deep underground geological hydrogen (natural hydrogen), seeking to establish a new hydrogen economy. This hydrogen, formed by the chemical reaction of iron-rich rocks and hot groundwater (serpentinization), shows promise as a clean energy source for fuel cells and a feedstock for fertilizer production. Despite storage and transport challenges, this naturally generated hydrogen holds significant potential as a future critical fuel source.

In Depth

Key Findings

Iowa, with the collaborative support of its state universities, is actively pursuing exploratory drilling projects to locate and assess deep underground geological hydrogen, also known as ‘natural hydrogen,’ as a potential foundation for a new hydrogen economy within the state. This geological hydrogen is naturally produced through chemical reactions, particularly serpentinization, occurring between iron-rich rocks and hot subterranean water. It holds significant promise as a clean energy source for fuel cells and a crucial feedstock for fertilizer production, offering a potentially low-cost and sustainable alternative to existing hydrogen production methods, thus generating considerable excitement for its role in the future energy mix.

Technical & Clinical Details

The mechanism of geological hydrogen generation primarily relies on deep subterranean geothermal activity and rock-water chemical interactions. For instance, the reaction of mantle-derived ultramafic rocks (such as olivine) with water during serpentinization is known to produce hydrogen. This hydrogen can accumulate in underground reservoirs or be continuously supplied closer to the surface. Exploration activities involve seismic surveys, borehole drilling, groundwater sampling, and geochemical analysis of rock formations to assess hydrogen abundance, purity, and reservoir characteristics. While storage and long-distance transport remain technical challenges, solutions like on-site production-on-site consumption models and blending with existing natural gas pipelines are under consideration. Natural hydrogen holds the potential to be more cost-effective than green hydrogen produced via electrolysis, potentially leading to substantial reductions in energy costs.

Background & Context

The global energy sector is accelerating its transition towards decarbonized energy sources to combat climate change and enhance energy security. Hydrogen, due to its versatility, is recognized as a key energy carrier, but its production often involves energy-intensive processes. The discovery and utilization of geological hydrogen offer a distinct, yet complementary, approach to green hydrogen generated from renewable energy. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is actively investing in various hydrogen production technologies, and geological hydrogen is considered a part of this diverse portfolio. The potential for discovering natural hydrogen in landlocked regions like Iowa could signify that a hydrogen economy can be developed even in areas with limited renewable energy resources, thereby contributing to greater energy geographical equity.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

Successful exploration for geological hydrogen in Iowa could lead to a paradigm shift in U.S. and global energy supply. If commercially viable and sustainably produced geological hydrogen reservoirs are identified, it would open a new avenue for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels and potentially reducing the cost of clean energy. For researchers and engineers, it represents a new frontier to deepen understanding of geological processes and develop efficient exploration and extraction technologies. For investors, it could offer highly attractive opportunities to access a new, low-cost, and potentially abundant clean energy source. This would enhance the competitiveness of hydrogen-consuming industries like fuel cells and fertilizer production, undoubtedly raising its importance as part of a diversified sustainable energy strategy for the future.