Alberta Emerges as Hotbed for Rare Natural Hydrogen Production
A new study by InnoTech Alberta has found that the province of Alberta in Canada has 'exceptional potential' for producing rare natural hydrogen, a nearly zero-emission energy resource.
The research highlights Alberta's rich geology and existing infrastructure as key factors contributing to its advantage in this emerging field. Dr. Tiago Morais, a geologist and one of the study's authors, noted that their work aims to 'de-risk' natural hydrogen exploration for companies.
Natural hydrogen, also known as 'gold' or 'white' hydrogen, is highly sought after due to its potential for widespread use in industries such as transportation and aerospace. Currently, only five metric tonnes of natural hydrogen are produced annually, primarily from Mali, according to the International Energy Agency.
The study suggests that Alberta's existing oil and gas wells could be repurposed to produce hydrogen more cost-effectively. Dr. Amit Kumar, director of the University of Alberta's Centre for Hydrogen Innovation, Workforce Development and Outreach, draws parallels between the development of the oil sands and the early stages of natural hydrogen exploration.