Hydrogen discovery could help climate crisis

HOW IS HYDROGEN MADE?

IHydrogen may be the most common element in the universe, but what’s found in nature is mostly linked to other elements. Just think of water, where two hydrogen molecules (see Word of the Week) connect to one oxygen molecule (H²0).

To separate the hydrogen from other elements, energy is needed. While hydrogen is considered a clean form of energy, the process of making it isn’t environmentally friendly.

Brown hydrogen, for example, is made using coal while grey hydrogen is made using methane. Both processes secrete carbon dioxide, contributing to climate problems.

For a while, people focused on creating green hydrogen, which is made with renewable energy sources and doesn’t give off any carbon. However, it’s very expensive to make.

Natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, occurs naturally in the

Earth’s crust. Not only is it free, but T’S been described as the fuel of the future, but the way hydrogen gas is made in a laboratory causes pollution. Now scientists have discovered a large stockpile of natural hydrogen underground – and they reckon it can play an important role in the fight against climate change. when burned, the only thing secreted is water – making it better for the planet.

Scientists have known about natural hydrogen for a long time, but the recent discovery is the largest quantity yet found. Jacques Pironon and Phillippe de Donato were investigating methane gas in France when they came across the natural hydrogen, estimated to be between six and 250 million metric tons.

White hydrogen can be used as a cleaner alternative in various applications, including aircraft, large cargo ships and industrial processes.