23. Hydrogen: a lighter approach

Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element and has been proven to be a revolutionary source of renewable energy. In this episode, we discuss how using hydrogen generates electricity, how we produce hydrogen, and how natural reserves can be seen in the subsurface. We break down the types of hydrogen and how we can use rocks to store hydrogen underground until we need it. We also explain how billions of years ago, our atmosphere was much richer in hydrogen and depleted in oxygen, and how Earth’s magnetic field helped produce the oxygen-rich atmosphere we see today. We end by talking about the use of hydrogen in developing large balloons for reconnaissance during the American Civil War. This led to Abraham Lincoln establishing the Union Army Balloon Corps in 1861. Enjoy!