In the rugged landscape of western Newfoundland, a fascinating geological feature is stirring interest in the energy world. The ancient ophiolite formations here, which are parts of the Earth’s mantle, are now seen as promising for producing low-cost hydrogen and trapping carbon dioxide permanently.
As the energy sector searches for efficient alternatives to traditional hydrogen production, “geologic hydrogen” stands out. Unlike the pricey green hydrogen derived from electrolysis, geologic hydrogen could potentially cost between $0.50 and $1 per kilogram. In contrast, renewable hydrogen often exceeds $4 per kilogram.
The rush to explore these formations aligns with a booming carbon management market. A recent report reveals that the global market for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) could reach $17.75 billion by 2030, growing from about $5.82 billion in 2025. This growth is largely driven by government mandates and rising carbon pricing, pushing industries to manage their emissions actively.
Understanding the Process
Central to this exploration is the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex, regarded as one of the most intact ophiolite sequences globally. The rocks here are high in magnesium and iron but low in silica. When these rocks meet water, they undergo a chemical reaction known as serpentinization, which releases hydrogen gas. This interaction also transforms carbon dioxide into solid carbonate minerals, effectively locking away a greenhouse gas as stone.
Research indicates that for every ton of brucite formed—a mineral that promotes carbon sequestration—0.63 metric tons of CO2 can be captured. This process is naturally slow, but engineers are now looking at ways to accelerate it. By injecting CO2-enriched water into these formations, they hope to speed up chemical reactions and draw out hydrogen while trapping industrial carbon emissions.
Esti Ukar, a research associate professor, emphasizes the importance of harnessing these natural systems. “If we can significantly boost hydrogen production in a shorter time frame, geologic hydrogen might be a game changer,” Ukar says.
Big Potential and Challenges
The potential CO2 storage capacity of the Bay of Islands Complex is impressive, estimated at over 510 billion tons. Even a small fraction of this capacity could be a significant asset against Canada’s annual emissions.
However, challenges remain. According to the International Energy Agency, while the number of carbon capture projects is increasing, actual implementation is lagging behind. To address this, governments in North America and Europe are introducing financial support measures, such as tax credits, to facilitate exploration and implementation.
While the ophiolite formations may soon serve as a proving ground for innovative hydrogen production, they also present an exciting avenue for significant carbon management. By turning natural processes into efficient systems, we might unlock a sustainable energy future that curbs climate change effectively.
For more insights and resources on this topic, check out the full report on carbon capture from MarketsandMarkets and learn more about Newfoundland’s unique geological features at the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex.
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geologic hydrogen, gold hydrogen, carbon capture, carbon sequestration, CCUS, Newfoundland geology, serpentinization, Bay of Islands Ophiolite, critical minerals, permanent carbon storage
