In the fight against climate change, one of the primary challenges is decarbonization, the process of gradually reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere. In this context, hydrogen has emerged as a key option to address this challenge. However, not all types of hydrogen are created equal. Today, we will focus on a variety that has recently sparked considerable interest: golden hydrogen, a natural energy source discovered beneath the Pyrenees mountains. This resource could be an innovative and sustainable solution to our energy and environmental problems.

The Magic of Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and holds great potential as an energy source. However, its production and use come with their own challenges. Hydrogen is not found in pure form in nature; it must be extracted from other compounds, and the extraction method determines its classification and environmental impact.

Brown or Black Hydrogen: Obtained from coal through gasification, a process that produces high carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.

1. Gray Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas, releasing CO₂ in the process.
2. Blue Hydrogen: Similar to gray, but with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions.
3. Green Hydrogen: Generated by electrolysis of water using renewable energy, it is the cleanest but also the most expensive to produce.
4. Pink Hydrogen: Produced using electricity from nuclear sources.
5. Golden Hydrogen: A Treasure Beneath the Pyrenees

Golden hydrogen differs from these categories because it forms naturally, without the need for polluting industrial processes. This type of hydrogen is generated when certain iron-rich minerals react with water under specific geological conditions. This natural process has been recently discovered in various locations around the world, including the subsoil of the French Pyrenees.

Geologist Jordi Tritlla, a leading expert in this field, describes these natural hydrogen sources as “natural reactors that are continuously generating hydrogen.” During an interview on the television program “El Cazador de Cerebros,” Tritlla explained that these reserves are found approximately 50 km underground, in the Estanque de Lers, in the French Pyrenees.

Advantages of Golden Hydrogen

The main advantage of golden hydrogen is that it does not require carbon-intensive production processes. This makes it cleaner than blue hydrogen and more economical than green hydrogen. Additionally, its extraction does not rely on fossil fuels or electrolysis, making it a potentially more sustainable and accessible option.

Another interesting feature of golden hydrogen is that it can be found in areas where no hydrocarbon exploration has been carried out, opening up new possibilities for energy resource exploitation in unconventional regions.

A Virtuous Cycle: Capturing CO2 and Generating H2

Among the possible strategies to optimize golden hydrogen production, one of the most striking is to inject atmospheric CO2 into the reservoirs. This ingenious approach would allow not only to increase hydrogen generation but also to capture and store carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. In this way, a virtuous cycle would be created that combats two problems simultaneously: the scarcity of clean energy and the excess of CO2 in the atmosphere.

A Promising Future

The discovery of these natural hydrogen sources could revolutionize the global energy landscape. However, much research is still needed to fully understand the kinetics of this process, meaning the rate and optimal conditions under which hydrogen is produced. Jordi Tritlla suggests that an innovative way to incentivize golden hydrogen production could be the injection of atmospheric CO₂ into these underground formations, simultaneously capturing CO₂ and generating hydrogen.

While golden hydrogen presents itself as an option full of potential for decarbonization, there is still a long way to go in terms of its research and development. Comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the production mechanisms, available reserves, and most efficient extraction techniques.

However, the existence of this natural treasure beneath our feet fills us with hope. Golden hydrogen, along with other renewable energy sources, could be the key to a more sustainable, clean, and efficient energy future. It is time to join forces to unravel the secrets of this golden elixir and turn it into a tangible reality in the fight against climate change.

Ongoing Research

Although golden hydrogen presents many theoretical advantages, research in this field is in its early stages. It is crucial to continue studying these natural reserves to understand how they can be exploited efficiently and sustainably. Future research should focus on:

Mapping and Evaluation: Identifying and characterizing all natural golden hydrogen sources around the world.

1. Extraction Optimization: Developing efficient and economical methods for extracting golden hydrogen on a large scale.
2. Environmental Impact: Evaluating the potential environmental impacts of golden hydrogen extraction and developing strategies to mitigate them.

Conclusions

Golden hydrogen represents an exciting opportunity in the search for sustainable energy sources. Its natural formation and low environmental impact make it an ideal candidate to support global decarbonization efforts. As research progresses, we could be on the verge of a revolution in the way we produce and consume energy, harnessing the resources that nature offers us continuously and sustainably.

The “Brain Hunter” program has put the spotlight on this fascinating energy source, highlighting the importance of research and the potential for innovation in the field of energy. With experts such as Jordi Tritlla leading the research, the future of golden hydrogen looks promising, offering a glimmer of hope in the fight against climate change.

References:

Maria Comabella Costa, “Golden hydrogen: a natural energy source under the Pyrenees,” News, The Brain Hunter, 07.07.2024.

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. “The Role of Natural Hydrogen in Sustainable Energy Solutions,” 2023.