Enhanced Production of Natural Hydrogen from Iron-Rich Mafic and Ultramafic Rocks

Energy policy and regulation

Research

Renewable energy research

Hydrogen formed over geological time deep underground, also known as geological or white hydrogen. It is a potentially low-cost, zero-emissions fuel source that does not require electrolysis.

Laboratory-scale experimental system to characterize the interactions between rock, water, and hydrogen in natural hydrogen production.

Biological agents used to enhance the rate of hydrogen production from geological systems.

Eight states (unspecified)

A funding package distributed across three DOE offices targeting industrial energy projects, with focus on hydrogen production through electrolysis, infrastructure development, and end-use integration in steel manufacturing, chemical production, and other energy-intensive sectors.

Research project to stimulate and enhance hydrogen production from iron-rich mafic and ultramafic rocks through mechanical, chemical, and biological processes. The project includes microcosm experiments to characterize rock-water-hydrogen systems and investigate methods to inhibit microbial hydrogen uptake while exploring biocatalyst enhancement.