Fracking Hydrogen From Rocks: Clever Tech, Tough Economics - CleanTechnica

The article "Fracking Hydrogen From Rocks: Clever Tech, Tough Economics" from CleanTechnica explores the concept of engineered mineral hydrogen production, where water reacts with iron-rich ultramafic rocks from the Earth's mantle to release hydrogen. While laboratory and modeling results show promise for this clean hydrogen production method, significant challenges arise when scaling to field operations. The technology demands advanced drilling, stimulation, and reservoir management expertise similar to that developed in shale gas and geothermal industries. However, the geographic mismatch between ultramafic rock formations and existing oil and gas infrastructure complicates logistics, increasing costs and operational risks. Additionally, the article highlights the difficulty of aligning hydrogen production sites with nearby industrial offtakers, such as methanol and ammonia plants, which are primarily located along the Gulf Coast and Midwest. Transporting low-density hydrogen over long distances or converting it into carriers adds complexity and cost, undermining the straightforward "field to flange" production model. Technical challenges also include maintaining optimal reaction conditions (temperature,