Skoltech researchers have found a way to produce hydrogen from natural gas with 45% efficiency right in the gas field by injecting steam and a catalyst into a well and adding oxygen to ignite the gas. Catalyst-assisted combustion produces a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, from which the latter can be easily extracted. This technology will help accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean hydrogen power. The study was published in Fuel.
      • CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.workOPEnglish
        44·
        19 days ago

        The alternatives are the status quo or severely restricting natural gas extraction. I won’t say the latter isn’t doable, especially if we can ramp up nuclear power capacity, but there’s a lot of baggage there. We should welcome a solution that effectively makes natural gas an emissions-free resource.

        • ianovic69@feddit.ukEnglish
          7·
          19 days ago

          I wouldn’t call carbon monoxide a good side product. If the amount created is negligible then great, but are there realistic figures?

          • Delta_V@lemmy.worldEnglish
            9·
            19 days ago

            Also, its probably safe to assume the producers will lie about how much they’re allowing to leak into the air.

          • CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.workOPEnglish
            12·
            19 days ago

            I don’t understand what you mean. As described in the article, the process leaves the CO trapped in the ground.

            • ianovic69@feddit.ukEnglish
              3·
              18 days ago

              Yes, the article says that but I’m not sure how much I believe it. If there’s a decent body of work that draws consensus I would be less sceptical.

                • ianovic69@feddit.ukEnglish
                  21·
                  18 days ago

                  Keeping in mind I have zero knowledge of what you’re telling me about, but these examples don’t include anything about carbon monoxide.

                  If the similarities to the other gases are close enough to mean that it can be safely stored using the same techniques, then I’m inclined to feel a lot less worried about the whole thing.

                  But I don’t really trust these sectors to act on our behalf, only to make profit line go up. Lying and bribing appears to be part of that, as can be seen all around us these days.

                  • CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.workOPEnglish
                    1·
                    18 days ago

                    I’m unaware of any examples of subterranean carbon monoxide storage. However, underground helium storage has been done successfully for a while. Helium is one of the best gases at leaking because of its small size, which should provide some reassurance as to the storage of larger gases underground.

                    I agree that greed and corporate malfeasance are a thing, but it’s kind of a separate problem. The government is either going to enforce environmental regulations and manage our resources properly or it’s not.

        • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
          2·
          19 days ago

          I won’t say the latter isn’t doable, especially if we can ramp up nuclear power capacity

          We could do both and hedge our bets.

          • CrimeDad@lemmy.crimedad.workOPEnglish
            1·
            19 days ago

            Yes. I mean, I don’t think we’re getting anywhere without a war economy build-out of nuclear power capacity regardless.

    • xodoh74984@lemmy.worldEnglish
      82·
      18 days ago

      First of all, they spelled Heelys wrong. Second, Heelys are a great idea, even better as an adult in an office with polished concrete floors.