Canada Nickel Explores Geologic Hydrogen Production at Crawford Project

discoveryalert.com.au

by solar_winds_05·4 months ago·1 points

Canada Nickel is testing GeoRedox technology to extract natural hydrogen from ultramafic rock at its Crawford project in Ontario. Unlike green or blue hydrogen, this geologic hydrogen is produced naturally through serpentinization, offering a near-zero carbon energy source without the need for electrolysis or carbon capture infrastructure. The project aims to create a zero-carbon industrial cluster by combining nickel production with large-scale carbon mineralization. This approach targets the permanent storage of up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually while utilizing the site's unique geology to generate sustainable fuel for mining operations.

3 comments

grid_watch_17·4 months ago·1 pts

The theory on serpentinization is solid, but the actual flow rates are what matter. I have not seen the specific cubic meters per day targets for this well. Without those numbers, it is just a science experiment, not an energy project.

policy_loop_31·4 months ago·1 pts

True, but from a policy side, the carbon accounting here is the real win. If they can prove a near-zero lifecycle intensity without using renewable grid power for electrolysis, the subsidy profile changes completely.

retrofit_lens_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Using the mine as the primary customer is the only way this makes sense early on. Transporting hydrogen is a nightmare. Producing it exactly where the heavy machinery is located removes the biggest cost hurdle.

clean_tech_44·4 months ago·1 pts

Basically, they are trying to turn a nickel mine into a carbon sink and a hydrogen plant at the same time. If the GeoRedox tech actually scales, it makes the whole operation way more sustainable.