Russian scientists have made a significant breakthrough in green energy by developing technology that allows for the direct extraction of hydrogen from natural gas in gas fields. This innovative method could accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to environmentally friendly hydrogen energy, which is crucial given that about 80% of global energy consumption currently comes from burning non-environmentally friendly oil and gas. 

• How it works: The technology involves injecting water vapor, a catalyst, and oxygen into the well, which ignites the natural gas. This process converts methane into a mixture of carbon monoxide and geological hydrogen. Although carbon dioxide is formed from carbon monoxide, it remains trapped in the formation and does not enter the atmosphere.

• Benefits: When burned, hydrogen releases only water vapor, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The extraction process also helps reduce the greenhouse effect by preventing gases from entering the atmosphere.

• Testing phase: The technology was tested in reactors that simulate natural gas formations using crushed rocks and controlled conditions. Methane, water vapor, and a catalyst were fed into the installation alongside oxygen to test the process.

Despite the potential benefits of this "green" energy source, widespread adoption has been hindered by difficulties in its production. Furthermore, natural rocks contain other active minerals that can react with gas mixture components to affect the hydrogen yield.

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The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology's proposed approach addresses these challenges by directly extracting hydrogen from natural gas wells using a multi-stage process involving water vapor, catalysts, and controlled combustion. The researchers in Russia are excited about this new process because they see it as a way to reduce carbon emissions while maximizing potential hydrogen production. 

Russia's Hydrogen Strategy

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Russia aims to become a world leader in the production and export of sustainable hydrogen. Russia aims to export 0.2 million metric tons by 2024 and 2 million by 2035. The country will capitalize on its current infrastructure and technical strengths to manage the substantial risks it faces as many of its customers work to decarbonize their economies.

Russia's energy strategy has two broad goals:

• Increasing socioeconomic development 
• Maintaining a major position in the global oil and gas market.

Read: Geologic Hydrogen: The Earth's Hidden Clean Energy Source

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