NETL explores hydrogen production in Appalachia

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NETL, a laboratory in the U.S. Department of Energy, is looking into whether or not it is possible to reclaim hydrogen and other products out of Appalachia.

The lab characterized the effort as a way in which “Appalachian energy communities can realize exciting new economic opportunities”. A recent report from the lab detailed the availability of waste coal and biomass within Appalachia, as well as various opportunities for using the resources. The materials could provide new economic activities for mining and power production throughout Appalachia, the report said.

“In releasing the report for public access, NETL aims to facilitate innovations in modular gasification technology as a key technology to achieving a net-zero carbon economy,” the lab said. “Gasification technology is flexible in that it can convert carbon-based substances into useful fuels and chemicals, such as hydrogen. Gasification-based systems utilizing waste coal and biomass, in addition to carbon capture and storage, can produce hydrogen with net-zero carbon emissions and serve as a key player in the net-zero emissions economy of the future while creating jobs and supporting environmental justice in Appalachia.”

NETL leaders said the gasification of hydrogen would not only bring new job opportunities to the area, but also further the Biden Administration’s net-zero emissions goals.

“The hardworking communities of Appalachia produced the coal that powered American cities for decades and powered our nation’s industries. NETL and the Biden-Harris Administration share the goal of creating a sustainable energy future for the United States in which no one is left behind,” said David Lyons, technology manager of NETL’s Gasification Systems Program. “By combining the right technologies, we can apply some historical approaches originally developed for coal toward new and innovative applications that will sustainably create new job opportunities for decades to come.”