From Methane to Minerals: The Pioneering Path to Carbon-Negative Energy

Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Climate Confident Podcast. Today I have the pleasure of diving deep into the world of carbon-negative hydrogen with Arnaud Lager, the Founder and CEO of Decahydron.Arnaud brought to light some groundbreaking work his team is doing in Ra's al Khaimah, UAE. They're not just creating hydrogen; they're doing it in a way that actively reduces carbon emissions. The magic happens through a unique process where methane is cracked to produce hydrogen, coupled with capturing CO2 from local cement industries. But here's the clincher – this CO2 isn't just captured; it's transformed into carbonate minerals by being injected into ultramafic rocks, ensuring it's locked away permanently.We also explored the fascinating potential of natural hydrogen reserves in the region. Imagine, hydrogen bubbling up from the ground – it's not science fiction but a reality that could revolutionize our energy landscape. Decahydron's pursuit of this untapped resource could be a game-changer, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective hydrogen source.But it's not all about hydrogen. Arnaud and his team have set ambitious goals for CO2 sequestration, aiming to tackle gigatons of emissions. Their approach is pragmatic yet innovative, focusing first on high-concentration CO2 sources before venturing into more dilute areas like direct air capture.This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting-edge of climate technology and sustainable energy. Arnaud's insights offer a glimpse into a future where energy production and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.Stay tuned for more updates on Decahydron's progress and do check out their website for the latest news. Remember, tackling climate change requires a variety of approaches, and it's pioneers like Arnaud who are leading the charge.Btw, don't forget to check out the video version of this podcast at https://youtu.be/lJv5RZfzj1ISupport the showPodcast supportersI'd like to sincerely thank this podcast's amazing supporters: Lorcan Sheehan Hal Good Jerry Sweeney Andreas Werner Devaang Bhatt Stephen Carroll Marcel Roquette Roger Arnold And remember you too can Support the Podcast - it is really easy and hugely important as it will enable me to continue to create more excellent Climate Confident episodes like this one.ContactIf you have any comments/suggestions or questions for the podcast - get in touch via direct message on Twitter/LinkedIn. If you liked this show, please don't forget to rate and/or review it. It makes a big difference to help new people discover the show. CreditsMusic credits - Intro by Joseph McDade, and Outro music for this podcast was composed, played, and produced by my daughter Luna Juniper