Marcos Sequeira
I am a geologist with a degree from the Universidad de la República (UDELAR, Uruguay) and a Master's degree in Energy Resources from the University of Granada (UGR, Spain). I have experience in seismic stratigraphy for offshore exploration and in the recovery of critical raw materials from brines, having worked on the BrineRIS project in Spain (EIT-RM - EU). Currently, I am a PhD student in the PEDECIBA program at UDELAR in Uruguay, where I am focusing on the potential for natural hydrogen in the country. Given the absence of scientific research in this area within Uruguay, my study aims to create a catalog of potential source rocks, define exploration areas, and propose natural hydrogen systems for the most promising sites.
Authors: Sequeira, Marcos1; Morales, Ethel1,2; Moretti, Isabelle3; Plenc, Facundo1,2
1 Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Básicas (PEDECIBA), Isidoro de María 1614, 11800 Montevideo, Uruguay
2 Instituto de Ciencias Geológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
3 Universite de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, LFCR, Pau, France
Abstract
Uruguay has a highly diversified energy matrix with a significant contribution from renewable energies. The national energy balance report of 2022 indicates electricity generation from hydroelectric (39%), wind (32%), thermal-biomass (18%), thermal-fossil (9%) and solar (3%) energy sources, demonstrating the success of having undergone the first energy transition. In this context, a “Green Hydrogen Roadmap” was established in 2023 in order to encourage a national hydrogen economy development by 2050.
However, the recent global advancements in scientific research and industry development related to natural hydrogen exploration have promoted a preliminary national-scale assessment of Uruguay's natural hydrogen potential. This initiative is particularly important given the current lack of background knowledge on natural hydrogen in Uruguay from both scientific and governmental perspectives. Uruguay represents a promising region for natural hydrogen prospecting due to the presence of potential source rocks in its Precambrian basement including large volumes of iron (BIFs), gabbros, serpentinites, and radioactive granitic and volcanics intrusions. Furthermore, the Phanerozoic sedimentary cover in its onshore sedimentary basins may provide favourable conditions for natural hydrogen accumulation and trapping. Additionally, recent studies have reported natural hydrogen occurrences in geologically linked regions such as southern Brazil and Namibia.
UNIVERSIDAD DE LA REPÚBLICA
PhD Student
Register before Sept. 30 and save 10%. Places are limited for the face-to-face component.