Alaska scientists and policymakers look to hydrogen as power source of the future

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U.S. Geological Survey geologist Geoffrey Ellis stands on Oct. 29 by a poster diplayed at the University of Alaska Fairbanks that explains how pure hydrogen can be pooled in underground formations. Ellis is the leading USGS expert on geologic hydrogen. He was a featured presenter at a three-day workshop on geologic hydrogen that was held at UAF. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska scientists and policymakers look to hydrogen as power source of the future

The universe’s most common element, which exists in yet-unexplored underground deposits, could underpin a post-oil energy future in Alaska and beyond, experts say

Alaska Beacon | YERETH ROSEN | NOVEMBER 15, 2024

The key to decarbonization may be all around us.

Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, is in the ocean, in the sky, in the stars, in the bodies of living beings and – of particular importance to energy developers – in the ground.

And it is getting increasing attention globally.

Governments, industry and scientific institutions are now investigating how they might be able to switch from drilling for petroleum, which produces planet-warming carbon dioxide when burned, to drilling for zero-emissions hydrogen.

There are good reasons for that, said Geoffrey Ellis, the U.S. Geological Survey’s geologic hydrogen research leader.

Ellis, who said he was once “in the wilderness” on the subject but who is now leading a wide-ranging research group, was one of the main speakers at a geologic hydrogen workshop held in late October the University of Alaska Fairbanks. The event was hosted by the U.S. Arctic Research Commission and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute and co-sponsored by the Office of the Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs, Mike Sfraga...more
https://alaskabeacon.com/2024/11/15/alaska-scientists-and-policymakers-look-to-hydrogen-as-power-source-of-the-future/