Technology

Natural hydrogen: first reports are released on the potential of this emerging resource

Published

3 months ago

June 14, 2024

A research team at INRS takes stock of the situation in Quebec

QUEBEC CITY, June 14, 2024 /CNW/ – Natural hydrogen, a gas found everywhere on our planet, is the subject of growing interest from governments and industry as an emerging alternative for the production of “cleaner” energy.

Natural hydrogen, which unlike oil and natural gas is carbon free, could become a key element in the energy transition as a complement to green hydrogen.

Knowledge of natural hydrogen and efforts to develop the resource are still in the exploratory stages worldwide, including in Quebec, which is thought to hold undiscovered reserves. Nonetheless, some countries have already started to adapt their regulatory frameworks in anticipation of wider use of the resource, notably France and Australia.

A first in Canada

A team from the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS), under the supervision of Professor Jasmin Raymond and Adjunct Professor Stephan Séjourné, also President of Enki GeoSolutions, has just released six research reports funded by Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie (MEIE).

Drawing on an exhaustive review of the scientific literature, the team documents the state of geological, geophysical and geochemical knowledge on natural hydrogen and also reports on developments elsewhere that could be relevant to Quebec.

“We need to assess whether there is a natural hydrogen resource in Quebec, and whether it is renewable. Our work will lay a rigorous scientific foundation for determining whether natural hydrogen can be harnessed to contribute to the province’s energy transition and benefit Quebec society as a whole,” says Jasmin Raymond, Professor at INRS and holder of the Institut nordique du Québec Research Chair on Geothermal Potential in the North

“This work has enabled us to draw up an initial inventory of the situation in Quebec, the first of its kind in Canada. Our knowledge of natural hydrogen is constantly expanding, and I hope that these initial observations will encourage further scientific reflection on the subject in Quebec,” adds Stephan Séjourné, President of Enki GeoSolutions and Adjunct Professor at INRS.

These reports follow on an initial study published last March in the journal Frontiers in Geochemistry. In it, the team showed that rocks capable of naturally producing hydrogen were present in various geological contexts in Quebec, both in sedimentary basins in the south of the province and in the Canadian Shield to the north.

“Traces in rocks attest to the production of natural hydrogen in Quebec’s geological history. Now we need to determine whether we can find a structure with sufficient reserves to be viably exploited”, says Félix-Antoine Comeau, INRS research professional on Jasmin Raymond’s team.

INRS has decades of expertise in research related to oil and gas exploration as well as underground reservoirs, whether for CO₂ sequestration or geothermal energy.

The team is made up of Geneviève Bordeleau (professor, INRS), Maxime Claprood (professor at UQAC), Félix-Antoine Comeau, Bernard Giroux (professor, INRS), Erwan Gloaguen (professor, INRS), Michel Malo (honorary professor, INRS), Maria Luisa Moreira dos Santos (master’s student, INRS), Pascal Mouge and Valentin Mulliez (Novatem), Jasmin Raymond and Stephan Séjourné.

In a summary report, the research team formulated three main recommendations with a series of steps aimed at improving the chances of finding natural hydrogen and preparing for the development of this resource.

Links to the reports :

Part 1 : État des connaissances scientifiques actuelles sur les sources et les occurrences d’hydrogène naturel pertinentes pour le contexte géologique du Québec. – EspaceINRS

Part 2 : Définition et inventaire des secteurs de roches sources potentielles pour l’hydrogène naturel : 1. Bassins sédimentaires du sud du Québec. – EspaceINRS

Part 3 : Définition et inventaire des secteurs de roches sources potentielles pour l’hydrogène naturel : 2. Bouclier canadien du Québec. – EspaceINRS

Part 4 : État des connaissances sur les méthodes géophysiques pour la recherche de l’hydrogène naturel, et inventaire des données pertinentes pour le Québec. – EspaceINRS

Part 5 : État des connaissances géochimiques pour la détection de l’hydrogène naturel, et inventaire des données géochimiques existantes permettant d’identifier des remontées de fluides profonds dans le sud du Québec – EspaceINRS

“In addition to demonstrating the potential for a new resource to explore in Quebec, our work lays the groundwork for future regulations surrounding how it is developed,” explained Félix-Antoine Comeau, noting that some companies could launch into exploration too quickly and possibly in the wrong places.

“If Quebec wants to remain competitive in terms of energy and the economy, it’s important to address this issue now,” concluded Professor Raymond.

About INRS 

INRS is an academic institution dedicated exclusively to graduate research and training in strategic sectors in Quebec. Since its creation in 1969, it has actively contributed to Quebec’s economic, social, and cultural development. INRS ranks first in Quebec and Canada in research intensity. It is made up of four interdisciplinary research and training centres located in Quebec City, Montreal, Laval, and Varennes, which focus their efforts on strategic sectors: water, earth, and environment (Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre); energy, materials, and telecommunications (Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre); urbanization, culture, and society (Urbanisation Culture Société Research Centre); and health and biotechnology (Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie Research Centre). The INRS community includes over 1,500 students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty and staff members.  

SOURCE Institut National de la recherche scientifique (INRS)

Technology

Compete for $150K Prizes: Join Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship

Published

57 mins ago

September 21, 2024

HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship is now open for registration! Organized by Rokid, a global leader in human-computer interaction through augmented reality, this championship invites AR developers globally to harness voice, gesture, and visual AI technologies to create groundbreaking AR experiences. Powered by the self-developed YodaOS-Master operating system, Rokid AR glasses deliver exceptional spatial computing performance.

What is Spatial Joy 2024 about？
In September 2022, Rokid kicked off its first AR Application Development Championship. The second championship, held last year in collaboration with Unity and Agora, quickly established itself as the largest AR application development event in China. As Rokid celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we are excited to present “Spatial Joy,” our newly branded global championship, open to developers worldwide for the first time, and positioned as the flagship event in the AR industry.

Why join Spatial Joy 2024?

Compete for a $150,000 prize poolFree access to Rokid AR Lite or Rokid AR studioDiscounted rates on purchasing Rokid productsFree participationTechnical support from Unity and AgoraInternational exposure within the AR industryOpportunity to attend the award ceremony in China

Who can participant?
The championship is open to global AR developers of all levels, including students, independent developers, teams, and professionals across sectors such as healthcare, retail, education, gaming, entertainment, lifestyle, and more.

How to register?
Detailed registration guidelines and requirements are available online at [https://t.rokid.com/iwvwcxkn]. Developers can register and submit their projects through Rokid official website at [www.global.rokid.com].

Spatial Joy 2024 Timeline:

Registration Deadline: October 16, 2024Final Project Submission Deadline: November 15, 2024Finalists Announcement: December 27, 2024Award Ceremony: January 11, 2025

About Organizer
Rokid has expanded its global presence, making notable progress in key markets across North America, Europe, and Asia, including a successful campaign on Kickstarter. With a decade of expertise, Rokid has revolutionized AR technology, transforming how users interact with both digital and physical environments.

Join us in shaping the future of AR with Rokid – enter Spatial Joy 2024 The Global AR Application Development Championship Now!

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/compete-for-150k-prizes-join-spatial-joy-2024-the-global-ar-application-development-championship-302254807.html

SOURCE Rokid

Technology

Summit of Whose Future? Girls Have the Answers: Leaders Must Listen

Published

3 hours ago

September 21, 2024

Young Women Activists Launch “What Girls Want,” Demand World Leaders Put Girls at the Center of Summit of the Future

NEW YORK, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today in New York, more than 50 young women from around the world – including Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai – gathered to take government to task for failing to prioritize girls and young women in the upcoming Summit of the Future. The group is backed by acoalition of girl-centered non-profit organizations, institutions, and funds who synthesized the demands of girls at www.whatgirlswant.com.

At a demonstration near the UN, alongside life-size cutouts of world leaders dressed ironically as “girl experts”, the activists delivered a strong message: world leaders aren’t the experts on what girls want for their futures – girls are.

Eylül Erçin, 19, from Türkiye, shared: “The time has passed for girls and young women to be treated as mere afterthoughts. Leaders must include us in the foundational design of these processes, ensuring that our priorities are integrated into shaping the future we will inherit. Anything less is unacceptable.”

Today’s event is about more than calling out a process failure. Girls i from around the world delivered a forward-looking call to action this week. They expect governments, institutions, and community leaders to step up and help shape a more equitable future.

Alongside fellow activists, Malala said: “Even at 27, I know better than to assume I understand best what girls want. Everywhere I go, girls are eager to share their vision for their futures. As adults, it is our job to listen, fund their work and follow their lead. It is not too late for world leaders to do right by girls. They can start by prioritizing their demands in tomorrow’s final Summit deliberations and by investing resources to match their words.”

The evidence is clear: investing in girls and delivering on their rights transforms economies, societies, and the environment, advancing the SDGs and building a future that girls deserve.

About What Girls Want

This effort was produced by a collaboration of girl-centered organizations, institutions, funders, and allies. The campaign is anchored around work to collate insights, data, and stories from 20+ public consultations with girls and young women over the past decade, driven by a shared desire to center girls’ demands in spaces where they are being ignored.

Contact:

whatgirlswantpress@gmail.com

nate.powers@edelman.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2384993/Women_Deliver_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/summit-of-whose-future-girls-have-the-answers-leaders-must-listen-302254570.html

Technology

48-Hour Saudi Visa Processing, Major Discounts and Unmissable Giveaways – Only at ‘Spectacular Saudi’ in Mumbai

Published

5 hours ago

September 21, 2024

NEW DELHI, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ is hosting its first-ever immersive consumer event ‘Spectacular Saudi’, from September 25 to October 2, from 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at R2 Ground in BKC, Mumbai.

Slated to transport visitors straight to the Heart of Arabia; the 8-day immersive experience will give visitors a glimpse into Saudi’s many wonders and iconic experiences – all while extending the warm Saudi welcome. To give consumers a truly memorable experience Saudi is offering exclusive giveaways and discounts specially curated for Indian travellers.

What’s more, Indian travellers can fast-track their Saudi visas exclusively at the event. All you need is a valid Visa or Mastercard credit card! Head on over to one of eight dedicated Tasheer kiosks, ensure the name on the credit card matches the passport, and have sufficient funds available on the card. After that, sit back and relax as your visa will be in hand within 48 hours!

It has never been easier to visit Saudi. With the most seamless visa process offered to date, the excitement doesn’t end there. On the travel front, SAUDIA Airlines is offering special deals, including a buy one get 50% off on the second ticket if travelling business class. Additionally, all economy class tickets will be 15% off. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in daily giveaways for free flight tickets for two to Saudi. With over 50+ travel trade offers, visitors can access incredible cashback and discounts on Saudi travel packages. Additionally, those booking Saudi packages will enjoy complimentary cultural city tours. Group tour packages to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam will be available exclusively at the event, starting at INR 99,999 for 5 nights.

Visitors can expect unique immersive experiences–including exhibits, culinary delights, Ardah dancers, Saudi coffee, traditional scents, and fashion–all under one roof. So don’t miss out and register here to experience a piece of Saudi, right in the heart of Mumbai.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2511104/Spectacular_Saudi.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/48-hour-saudi-visa-processing-major-discounts-and-unmissable-giveaways–only-at-spectacular-saudi-in-mumbai-302254776.html