Hydrogen emissions from hydrothermal fields in Iceland and comparison with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Combaudon V, Moretti I, Kleine BI, Stefánsson A (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Elsevier

Book Volume: 47

Pages Range: 10217-10227

Journal Issue: 18

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.01.101

Abstract

Hydrogen emissions from geothermal systems are well known, for example associated with mafic and ultramafic rock formations along mid-ocean ridges (MOR). Here we report concentrations and emissions for H2 from geothermal fields in Iceland that provides the only MOR on Earth that exposes a largely submarine rift on land and compare them with submarine vent systems along the mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). The concentrations of H2 in Icelandic hydrothermal fluids are 0.022–20.5 mmol/kg comparable to H2 concentrations in MAR hydrothermal fluids of 0.07–26.5 mmol/kg. According to geochemical modeling, the H2 is considered to form in these settings associated with chemical reactions of primary mineral leaching, Fe^+II to Fe^+III oxidation and secondary mineral precipitation and reduction of water to hydrogen. The main factors influencing these reactions are rock type and source water composition. Geothermal power plants in Iceland emit in total ∼1.2 kt H2 per year (2019–20) or on average ∼0.7 g/MWh. The H2 is today emitted to the atmosphere but could in principle be utilized given technical aspects of such extraction are implemented.

Authors with CRIS profile

Barbara Kleine-Marshall

Involved external institutions

University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour / Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour (UPPA)

France (FR) University of Iceland (UI) / Háskóli Íslands

Iceland (IS)

How to cite

APA:

Combaudon, V., Moretti, I., Kleine, B.I., & Stefánsson, A. (2022). Hydrogen emissions from hydrothermal fields in Iceland and comparison with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 47(18), 10217-10227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.01.101

MLA:

Combaudon, Valentine, et al. "Hydrogen emissions from hydrothermal fields in Iceland and comparison with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 47.18 (2022): 10217-10227.

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