Most of the world’s companies are in the midst of an energy transition to cleaner energy models. To date, the fuels of the future appear to be solar energy, electric motors and even hydrogen. These renewable energies have a much lower environmental impact, although they have not yet achieved zero emissions. However, geology may have opened a hitherto unknown door. A natural hydrogen source has been found in Albania, specifically in the Bulgizë mine.
It is a natural subway reservoir with 200 tons of green hydrogen, which does not require electrolysis or costly extraction. This discovery could put the hydrogen economy in jeopardy. However, it must be taken into account that the quantities it generates are not sufficient to supply the needs of the planet, not to mention the amount of subway life that we do not know about and that lives on this hydrogen. Is it worth destroying thousands of ecosystems to access a hydrogen that is not going to be useful?
Hydrogen as a green energy source
Several renewable energy sources are being considered to replace polluting fossil fuels. We have all heard of solar energy, with its solar panels, electric motors, and as the most recent novelty, hydrogen. Although these energy sources are already being commercialized, the reality is that they are still polluting. In the case of hydrogen, it requires costly and polluting extraction, transportation and storage processes. Although these emissions are lower than those of fossil fuels, they are still a considerable number. It doesn’t make much sense, does it?
New source of natural hydrogen
After the latest discoveries, the hydrogen economy could turn around. A group of researchers has discovered a source of natural hydrogen in a mine in Albania. This is the Bulqizë Mine, which has become the first subway deposit of natural hydrogen ever discovered. One of the first ideas that comes to mind is that the previous problem with hydrogen is solved! It does not pollute, it does not need to be processed, no drilling, extraction or electrolysis is required. Hydrogen is found in high concentrations, with an estimated 200 tons. It almost seems like a gift from nature to put an end to aggressive hydrogen extraction.
Subway life
This discovery is not only important for the energy sector, but also for geology. It is a milestone and needs to be studied. However, it is also an attractive giant for those companies that are betting on hydrogen as the clean energy of the future. However, there are several aspects to consider before making decisions. The first is the amount of hydrogen available.
Geological hydrogen is not renewable in the short term. This means that even if 200 tons are available now, the demand extracted in a few years would take millions of years to build up again. Therefore, it would not be a good source of energy. On the other hand, these areas are home to ecosystems that survive in the dark and need this hydrogen to survive. These are totally unknown species, which it would not make sense to destroy.
Conclusions
This discovery has implications at several levels. As for the field of geology, it reminds us that the Earth still holds secrets for us. We have focused so much on searching for energy sources from the sky that we have completely forgotten the potential of the deep sea. It could be that the search for the cleanest and least polluting energy will find answers in the ground rather than in the sky. However, the mistakes that were made with uncontrolled oil extraction must not be repeated. Before new extractions, environmental assessments and scientific opinion and supervision will have to be taken into account.