Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University Receives NSF Grant for Innovative Hydrogen Fuel Research

Lacy Oliver

August 29, 2024

Two professors receive grant to develop new, eco-friendly method for producing hydrogen fuel from the Earth's subsurface.

Texas Tech University’s Qingwang Yuan, an assistant professor in the Department of Petroleum Engineering, part of the Edward E. Whitacre College of Engineering, and Juske Horita, a professor in the Department of Geosciences, received a grant to develop an eco-friendly method for producing hydrogen fuel from the Earth’s subsurface.

Hydrogen fuel is gaining attention as a sustainable, carbon-free energy solution. These two professors are exploring how to produce and recover hydrogen by reacting water with iron-rich rocks deep underground. This process not only generates clean hydrogen fuel but also sequestrates carbon dioxide, achieving two critical environmental goals: producing carbon-free hydrogen and achieving carbon-negative results.

The National Science Foundation awarded a total of $300,000 that supports research into new ways to produce hydrogen fuel in a manner that benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The funding also provides opportunities to educate and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers, encouraging them to consider careers in clean energy and environmental sciences.

“This grant allows the college to lead exciting research into new ways of producing clean hydrogen fuel, which is a major step toward solving energy challenges. It also means different departments will work together more closely, combining their knowledge in engineering and geosciences,” Yuan said. “This collaboration not only enhances the research but also provides students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge projects, preparing them for future careers in energy and engineering.” Yuan’s group, The Hope Group, focuses on the emerging research of carbon-zero, carbon-free, and carbon-negative subsurface hydrogen production as well as carbon dioxide storage and geothermal recovery.

yuan

Qingwang (Kevin) Yuan

horita

Juske Horita

With the NSF grant, Yuan and Horita will introduce a new research focus at Texas Tech, combining advanced research with educational initiatives. This approach will involve students in real-world projects that enhance their learning experiences.

“Imagination and determination will take you wherever you want to go.” Horita added about the student benefits.

Overall, the grant supports the departments by fostering innovation, encouraging collaboration, and preparing students for future careers.