Summary
Highlights
Sergey Frolov, with over 20 years of experience in metals and mining, founded H2 Valley to extract geological hydrogen. He emphasizes hydrogen's versatility and its potential to revolutionize industries, moving away from carbon-intensive energy sources.
Frolov critiques the long-accepted model of an iron and nickel core with a silicate mantle, stating it lacks scientific basis. He introduces Vladimir Larin's model, which posits a hydrogen-rich core, supported by evidence like vast hydrogen flows to the Earth's surface detectable via satellite imagery.
The new model, building on Fred Hoyle's theory of planetary formation from ionized material, suggests Earth's core is rich in hydrogen hydrides. This is because hydrogen constitutes a significant 70% of the universe, and during planetary formation, metals precipitated and captured substantial amounts of hydrogen.
The new model is complex, involving intricate calculations of ionization potentials. However, once understood, it provides answers to many geological phenomena. The main challenge is overcoming the long-held dogma of the iron-nickel core model.
Geological hydrogen can be found globally, particularly in rift zones, fault systems, and thin crust areas, but also on continents. H2 Valley is currently focused on a project in Slovenia, aiming to supply hydrogen to a metallurgical company to replace natural gas.
New technologies are rapidly changing hydrogen exploration and extraction. Geological hydrogen is currently the cheapest type, estimated at $0.50-$1 per kilogram, and further technological advancements are expected to lower costs even more.
Remote sensing techniques, similar to those used for hydrocarbons, are effective for initial hydrogen detection. However, on-site field studies are crucial due to resolution limitations for deeper geological structures (up to three kilometers). Big data and machine learning are acknowledged for their potential to enhance exploration, though still in their early stages.
Drawing from the hydrocarbon industry's century of sealing and containment technologies, hydrogen exploration can adopt similar methods. Hydrogen leakage monitoring technologies are already refined due to its existing industrial applications. Flow rates are accurately quantified after drilling, with standard measurement techniques similar to natural gas.
Feasibility studies are based on refining geological models and market data analysis, including energy prices. Key factors for site selection include the presence of a consumer, the potential of the geological structure to generate hydrogen, and favorable pricing for the extracted hydrogen.
H2 Valley prioritizes regulatory compliance by investigating local regulations in each country. There are no 'secret' technologies; success lies in experienced geological knowledge to identify and tap hydrogen streams. Collaboration with research institutions in the UK, Australia, and potentially Canada is vital for refining exploration, extraction, and storage technologies.
Frolov welcomes the growing number of hydrogen startups, as more projects refine exploration and extraction technologies. He criticizes government focus on 'green hydrogen' as a waste of resources, advocating for more investment in geological hydrogen, which he believes could lead to a significant breakthrough. He also notes the lack of media and governmental attention compared to other hydrogen types.
The certainty of finding hydrogen increases incrementally with each exploration stage, from desktop studies to field studies and ultimately drilling. Geological hydrogen sources are highly sustainable, as hydrogen continuously seeps to the surface over millions of years. Estimates suggest the Earth's interior could hold 70 times more hydrogen than all the water on the planet, indicating practically inexhaustible reserves.
H2 Valley differentiates itself through its specialized team, with co-founders having 40 years of experience in geological hydrogen and oil and gas. The main risk is ensuring safety compliance during drilling and extraction, which they manage with caution. Frolov is confident in their approach due to the extensive experience of his team.