A discovery of hydrogen beneath the Bulqize chrome mine in Albania has stirred optimism for the region’s transition towards cleaner energy. This revelation has prompted discussions about the potential for hydrogen to play a significant role in reducing emissions from the region.
Despite past tragedies associated with gas pockets in the mine, a recent study published in the Science journal unveiled a reservoir containing between 5,000 and 50,000 tons of hydrogen locked beneath the surface.
“It’s a big investment and profit opportuànity for Bulqize and for Albania,” expressed Baki Bajraktari, a worker at the mine quoted to Reuters, highlighting the newfound optimism among the local workforce.
As western Balkan countries race to align with EU emissions targets, hydrogen has emerged as a focal point for their decarbonization efforts. Hydrogen, particularly when produced using renewable or low-carbon energy sources, is viewed as a clean and sustainable fuel option.
“The concentration of such a high level of H2 in a reservoir is a good discovery to push more researchers to look for similar findings elsewhere,” noted Bardhyl Muceku, one of the authors of the study, emphasizing the significance of the discovery beyond the Bulqize mine.
Despite the optimism, challenges remain, including the need for substantial private investment and infrastructure development. However, with political momentum building for low-emission hydrogen, Balkan countries are pressing ahead with plans to leverage this newfound resource to reduce their heavy reliance on fossil fuels for electricity production.
