Hidden Clean Energy Source: Large Hydrogen Reservoir Discovered Beneath Chromium Mine in Albania [Study]

Albania is unknowingly hiding a potential source of clean energy after scientists found a large hydrogen reservoir beneath a chromium mine, a new study revealed earlier this week. Researchers from Albania and France mentioned the mine is located in Bulqize, a municipality in Diber County, Albania. The reservoir is within an ancient oceanic crust that sits over the European country and contains one of Earth's largest chromium mines.

The discovery of the hidden hydrogen reservoir is both unprecedented and significant since hydrogen is not only a chemical element but an ideal option for conventional fossil fuels. The authors of the new research paper described hydrogen as an "attractive alternative" to these non-renewable, dirty resources. This is because the element can be used to produce energy without creating carbon dioxide as a by-product.

The research came in the context of a global energy crisis that started in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of rapid economic recovery from losses of the 2020 lockdowns, energy prices have increased since 2021, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). In terms of the current climate crisis, scientists have also warned world governments and industry leaders to shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.

Bulqize Chromium Mine

In the research paper published in the journal Science on Thursday, February 8, the French and Albanian scientific team confirmed the existence of a deep hydrogen reservoir that drives intense degassing from the Bulqize chromium mine. The team suspects that the large hydrogen flux is likely caused by long-term accumulation inside a faulter reservoir, asserting that places with similar geology should be considered for other natural sources of hydrogen.

In addition, the authors said that the discovery sheds light on certain geological conditions that seal massive reserves of natural hydrogen under the Earth. In the case of Albania, the Bulqize mine likely experienced an accumulation of tectonic fractures between two blocks of rock within the ophiolite. Furthermore, the study estimates there could be as high as 55,000 tons of hydrogen contained beneath the chromium mine.

Potential Clean Energy Source

Clean energy such as sustainable, renewable energy that does neither damage the climate nor the environment has been the focus of several measures against climate change and global warming over the decades. This is because not only fossil fuel burning but also anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions contribute to the climate crisis. With this, scientists are finding alternative sources of energy.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that climate scientists have agreed that human activities such as climate-damaging emissions are heating the planet. The main sources of burning fossil fuels for deforestation are industrial agriculture, energy, industry, and transport. The IPCC also emphasizes that global warming causes sea level rise and intensifies extreme weather events.

Following the recent Science study, the objective to find alternative sources of clean energy continues and researchers imply there are only waiting to be discovered, just like the Bulqize chromium mine.