The Department of Energy announced up to $20 million in funding to support two ARPA-E Exploratory Topics focused on the development and extraction of geologic hydrogen. The agency designated the funds for projects that explore stimulated mineralogical processes for subsurface hydrogen generation and engineering methods for reservoir management.
What it means
The funding supports two distinct research tracks under ARPA-E’s Exploratory Topics program. Exploratory Topic G, titled “Production of Geologic Hydrogen Through Stimulated Mineralogical Processes,” seeks technologies that stimulate hydrogen production from mineral deposits in the subsurface. This track includes developing an understanding of hydrogen-producing geochemical reactions and determining how to enhance or control the rate of hydrogen production. Evelyn N. Wang, ARPA-E Director, stated that the agency is asking “are there disruptive ways to access this hydrogen source and explore the potential?”
Exploratory Topic H, titled “Subsurface Engineering for Hydrogen Reservoir Management,” focuses on technologies for the extraction of geologic hydrogen. This includes subsurface transport methods, engineered containment, reservoir monitoring and modeling, and assessing the risk of hydrogen reservoir development. Wang noted there is significant opportunity to accelerate the development of hydrogen production. Additional information regarding the topics is available on the ARPA-E eXCHANGE website.
Key facts
- $20 million in funding announced by DOE/ARPA-E
- Funding allocated to two Exploratory Topics: G and H
- Topic G: Production of Geologic Hydrogen Through Stimulated Mineralogical Processes
- Topic H: Subsurface Engineering for Hydrogen Reservoir Management
- Research includes subsurface transport, containment, monitoring and risk assessment
- Evelyn N. Wang is ARPA-E Director
- Contact number listed in release: 202-287-5440
Source: U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy news release (arpa-e.energy.gov)