Descubrimiento del hidrógeno blanco en Rusia

In October 2024, at the International Hydrogen Energy Conference (IH2CON) held in Moscow, Russia made an announcement that garnered international attention, much like this inexhaustible energy mine. A unique natural warehouse has been found, which will strengthen its position as an energy powerhouse. But can this component save the planet?

The Frozen Treasure in Russia
The company Gazprom Hydrogen, which had been searching for hydrogen since 2020, explored the Siberian region without much success. However, things changed when Konstantin Romanov, the CEO, announced the discovery of natural white hydrogen in East Siberia, specifically in the Kovykta region of Irkutsk.

Although the hydrogen found is in low concentrations, around 3%, it is located in Kovykta deposits. This discovery is crucial as it allows for further research and understanding of the potential of this energy resource. Additionally, analysis has revealed substantial natural gas reserves of 1.8 billion cubic meters and condensed gas reserves of approximately 66 million tons, making this area truly unique.

A New Economic Instrument
The extraction process of white hydrogen is more attractive compared to green hydrogen, as it is produced through geological processes rather than electrolysis of water. Moreover, the production cost is lower, with white hydrogen costing $0.5 per kilogram compared to $6 per kilogram for green hydrogen. This has led the Russian government to view hydrogen as a new form of geopolitical influence in a decarbonizing world.

Gazprom Group currently produces around 350,000 tons of hydrogen per year for domestic consumption, aligning with global hydrogen trends. Overcoming the technical and logistical challenges of this energy source could position Gazprom as a key player in the hydrogen economy.

Challenges Ahead
Despite the potential of white hydrogen as an industrial energy source, there are challenges to overcome. The lack of sufficient natural hydrogen reserves for stable industrial extraction and the need for new technologies and tools to extract hydrogen from complex gases in storage facilities are significant hurdles.

Furthermore, the absence of an international market for natural hydrogen usage has slowed Gazprom’s investments in the industry. However, if demand grows and remains steady, the company may consider increasing its production.

The Birth of a New Energy
While the white hydrogen industry is still in its early stages, facing economic and technological challenges, it is closer than ever to harnessing various clean energy sources. This advancement could revolutionize the energy sector, much like the discovery of Turkish hydrogen. This remarkable resource, once used for destructive purposes, is now a crucial ally in the fight against climate change, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible energy future.

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