Could there be a billion-gallon goldmine hidden under our feet in Nevada? Thus far, Nevada has always been known for its desert landscapes, sun-scorched mountains, and dry lake beds. However, it’s not the glitz of Las Vegas that shines bright, but what possibly remains buried beneath the soil. In Nevada, we may uncover something more precious than silver and gold. We may find beneath the aquifers water and hydrogen potential, too. As per the relatively recent inauguration of Air Liquide’s state-of-the-art liquid hydrogen facility in North Las Vegas, a positive plot twist has been reached in this state’s energy story. If the hidden aquifer beneath Nevada could be the next billion-gallon goldmine, a great climax could be reached in this state’s story.
Air Liquide hydrogen production facility
Air Liquide was able to open its doors to the biggest hydrogen production and logistics facility in North Las Vegas in June 2023. Nevada has, as such, become a key player in America’s hydrogen economy due to the $250 million investment. This plant, which is said to produce about 30 tons of liquid hydrogen daily, will be able to provide power to an estimated 40,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles.
With good news in store for the clean mobility sector, the facility is committed to sustainability. As per California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), this production facility does not merely support the West Coast’s transition to clean mobility but signifies a shift in Nevada’s strategy to be a key player in the renewable energy supply chain. Nevada has much more to boast than meets the eye, and Air Liquide’s move to base such an important project in Nevada suggests that this state holds much potential.
Hidden beneath the aquifers
This hydrogen production and logistics facility is a core investment; however, massive-scale hydrogen production requires water. Electrolysis, also known as the process of splitting water to produce hydrogen, requires large amounts of water.
Finding this water in Nevada, which is said to be a rather dry state, may seem like no easy feat. However, the underground aquifers in southern Nevada have long been probed due to hydrological studies. Water reserves like these,e accumulated over thousands of years, may be able to reach the inevitable goal of mass-scale hydrogen production without causing harm to residential water supplies when managed properly.
The water hidden beneath the aquifers may not be clean enough for human consumption, but it could be water pure enough to be Nevada’s hidden billion-gallon goldmine that leads to large-scale hydrogen production. Thus far, it has not been disclosed as to where Air Liquide intends to source its water supply for hydrogen production, yet it’s good to know there is hope for commercial-scale water access in Nevada. With its ability to harness solar power as well as its capability of producing 30 tons of liquid energy daily, this state is showing off its ability to maintain a sustainable legacy.
Groundwater and hydrogen
Hydrogen is an essential component of the sustainable energy future. Nevada, which now boasts a hydrogen production facility, has become a contending player in this shift towards a better and cleaner energy future. CEO of American Air Liquide Holdings, Michael Graff, said:
“This facility is an illustration of our commitment and ability to usher sustainable markets into the future. By providing a reliable supply of hydrogen… we are making a significant investment in the transition towards a more sustainable future, one with hydrogen at its core.”
Hydrogen is at the core of every discussion, and if the liquid treasure flowing underground can meet the hydrogen needs of the facility, an energy revolution could very well occur in the state of Nevada. Nevada surely has the potential to tap into something great if it relies on hydrological studies and looks to see what lies beneath the surface of the aquifers.
