Volcanic Vaults May Unlock Natural Hydrogen Beneath Lake Superior

Discovering Ancient Energy: The Midcontinent Rift’s Untapped Potential

In the heart of North America lies a geological marvel that could redefine our global energy landscape. The Midcontinent Rift, a 1,200-mile stretch of volcanic rock formed approximately 1.1 billion years ago, holds the potential to produce vast amounts of natural hydrogen—a clean energy source that could significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Pioneering Research: University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Quest for Natural Hydrogen

This ancient rift, stretching from beneath Lake Superior through parts of Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, is now the focal point of groundbreaking research spearheaded by the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. With a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Research Advanced by Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering (RAISE) initiative, the university is delving into the complex dynamics of hydrogen trapped within this geological formation.

Map of Mid Continent Rift – Image Credit from Press Release

The team, comprising Seunghee Kim, the Charles J. Vranek Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, Karrie Weber, a professor of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Biological Sciences, and Hyun-Seob Song, an associate professor of Biological Systems Engineering and Food Science and Technology, is focused on addressing several key challenges. Among these is the difficulty of accessing and extracting hydrogen from the rift, which is estimated to be located 3,000 to 5,000 feet underground. Despite the depth, the geology is favorable, with conditions that may limit the loss and consumption of hydrogen, leaving significant quantities trapped at an economically viable scale.

Overcoming Obstacles: Challenges in Accessing Deep-Located Hydrogen

“Our understanding of processes governing the production, migration, and accumulation of evasive natural hydrogen in the continental deep subsurface is still in its infancy,” said Kim. The research aims to explore hydrogen flow and seepage from the subsurface, the feasibility of natural and engineered storage solutions, interactions with geological materials, and the rates of microbial consumption of hydrogen.

Signs of Success: Promising Data from Nebraska’s Test Well

The promise of natural hydrogen as a clean energy source lies in its negligible carbon footprint. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels, which results in significant greenhouse gas emissions, natural hydrogen is generated through natural processes. This makes it an attractive option for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. The Midcontinent Rift represents a unique opportunity to harness this resource, potentially paving the way for a sustainable hydrogen economy.

Global Exploration: Worldwide Interest in Natural Hydrogen Deposits

The interdisciplinary approach of the research team is crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges of hydrogen extraction. While Kim brings a civil engineering perspective to the project, Weber and Song focus on the biogeochemical and microbiology implications. Song is developing computational modeling tools to integrate and assess data provided by Weber, helping predict microbiomes’ behavior at the subsurface level.

A New Energy Frontier: Advancing Toward a Sustainable Hydrogen Economy

The research builds on previous work funded by the Nebraska Center for Energy Sciences Research, highlighting the state’s potential leadership in the “hydrogen economy.” As Weber noted, the university’s role in this research underscores Nebraska’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the development of clean energy solutions.

The exploration of natural hydrogen is not limited to the Midcontinent Rift. Other recent discoveries around the world highlight the global interest and potential of this resource:

• France: Researchers have identified what could be the world’s largest geologic hydrogen deposit in the Lorraine region.
• Albania: A significant hydrogen seep was discovered in a chromite mine, showcasing large bubbles of naturally occurring hydrogen.
• Mali: In Bourakébougou, nearly pure hydrogen was found, and is being used to provide power to the local community.
• South Australia: Gold Hydrogen, an Australian company, reported discovering hydrogen with purity levels of up to 95.8% at their drill sites.

The U.S. Geological Survey estimates there might be enough accessible natural hydrogen under the Earth’s surface to meet global energy needs for thousands of years. However, much of this hydrogen remains inaccessible, either due to its depth or location offshore. Sites like the Midcontinent Rift, therefore, hold particular importance in the quest for sustainable energy.

The promising data from a test well drilled in Nebraska five years ago suggests that the geomechanical and biogeochemical conditions in the rift could support hydrogen accumulation. If these conditions prove favorable, the rift could become a significant source of natural hydrogen, contributing to a cleaner energy future.

As the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s team continues its research, the potential of the Midcontinent Rift to reshape our energy sourcing and consumption becomes ever more apparent. By unlocking the secrets of natural hydrogen, this project could herald a new era of energy sustainability and independence, moving us closer to a world less dependent on fossil fuels.