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Idaho National Laboratory hydrogen breakthrough could have big impacts on oil industry
A breakthrough at the Idaho National Laboratory may lead the way forward for the commercial use of hydrogen produced through high-temperature electrolysis (HTE), specifically in the area of oil production.
“The biggest (commercial application) at this stage is in sweetening heavy crude or low-grade crude – stuff that is really thick,” said INL spokesman Lou Riepl. “You need a good source of hydrogen to be able to make it truly useable and recoverable.”
The way industry sweetens heavy crude now, Riepl added, is with hydrogen produced via steam re-forming from natural gas. The process is costly and not very energy efficient – especially as natural gas prices fluctuate. Finding a cheaper, more cost-effective method of sweetening crude oil could have major impacts on the oil industry and the economy as a whole.
by Zach Hagadone
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