🤯 Earth's Hydrogen: A Clean Energy Future? ⚡️
Tech
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Vema is pursuing a novel approach to hydrogen production, beginning with a pilot project in Quebec. The startup extracts hydrogen from iron-rich rock formations through a process involving water, heat, pressure, and catalysts. These formations, similar to those found in California’s ophiolite deposits, release hydrogen gas. The Quebec pilot aims to supply approximately 100,000 tons of hydrogen annually. Vema anticipates producing several tons daily from its initial well, with plans for a commercial well reaching 800 meters deep. The company aims for a hydrogen price below $1 per kilogram, a benchmark for clean hydrogen, significantly lower than current Steam Methane Reforming costs. This “engineered mineral hydrogen,” as Vema calls it, represents a potentially cleaner source, relying on geological formations and offering a pathway toward reducing carbon emissions in hydrogen production.
STIMULATED HYDROGEN PRODUCTION
Vema’s innovative approach to hydrogen production centers around “stimulated mineral hydrogen,” also known as “engineered mineral hydrogen.” This method utilizes the inherent geological potential of specific rock formations to generate hydrogen gas. The company achieves this by drilling wells into regions containing iron-rich rock, such as ophiolite formations prevalent in California. Treatment with water, heat, pressure, and catalysts releases the hydrogen gas trapped within the rock.
QUEBEC PILOT PROJECT & PRODUCTION SCALE
In December, Vema secured a deal to supply California data centers, and subsequently completed a pilot project in Quebec. This initial project aimed to demonstrate the viability of their technology. The Quebec pilot is designed to meet a local market demand of approximately 100,000 tons of hydrogen annually. The first pilot well is projected to produce several tons of hydrogen per day, a significant step towards scaling up production.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS & PRODUCTION COSTS
Vema’s initial target production cost is less than $1 per kilogram of hydrogen, aligning with industry benchmarks for clean hydrogen. This cost is considerably lower than the average cost of hydrogen produced via Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), which ranges from 70 cents to $1.60 per kilogram, according to the IEA. The inclusion of carbon capture significantly increases SMR costs, while utilizing zero-carbon electricity for electrolysis drives up expenses considerably.
SCALING & GEOLOGICAL OPPORTUNITIES
The company plans to drill its first commercial well, reaching a depth of 800 meters into the Earth. Vema anticipates further cost reductions, aiming to produce hydrogen for less than 50 cents per kilogram once refined techniques are implemented. The widespread availability of suitable rock formations, particularly ophiolite deposits in California, suggests a significant opportunity for scaling up production and establishing hydrogen hubs near key industrial consumers like data centers.
This article is AI-synthesized from public sources and may not reflect original reporting.