A Paradigm Shift in Energy Exploration: Revisiting Geologic Hydrogen

Frank S. O'Hara
Sep 1
4 min read

Updated: Sep 13

A Paradigm Shift in Hydrogen Energy Exploration (Update)

In our collective pursuit of a net-zero future, the global energy landscape is rapidly evolving. Among the latest and most compelling developments is the resurgence of interest in natural hydrogen, a subterranean, carbon-free energy source that may reshape how we harness Earth's internal processes for sustainable energy.

Geologic Hydrogen: The Hidden Energy Reservoir

Once largely overlooked in the shadow of conventional hydrogen production, natural hydrogen, often called white, gold, or geologic hydrogen is gaining scientific and industrial traction. Formed through natural processes such as serpentinization, radiolysis, and microbial activity, this hydrogen accumulates in the Earth’s crust, sometimes alongside gases like methane and helium. Only Mali has so far achieved commercially viable extraction, at the village of Bourakébougou, where concentrations exceeding 95 percent power local electricity generation (Royal Society).

In 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) published the first continent-wide map highlighting potential natural hydrogen hotspots across the United States. Identified zones include the Midcontinent Rift (Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan), the Four Corners region, the California coast, and parts of the Eastern seaboard (USGS).

Global research efforts are also expanding. As of 2023, about 40 companies were pursuing natural hydrogen exploration, a sharp increase from just 10 in 2020. These efforts are particularly active in the Midcontinent Rift region, including ventures by Koloma backed by Breakthrough Energy with more than $300 million in funding (Sandia Energy).

The Royal Society in the UK emphasizes that natural hydrogen, if extracted at scale and cost-effectively, could become a low-carbon resource supplementing national energy portfolios. Still, success depends heavily on geological viability, production purity, and proper regulation (Royal Society).

Technological and Market Developments

Exploration and Industry Moves

In Australia, Whitebark Energy recently gained full control of the Alinya Project in the Officer Basin, an area rich in hydrogen, helium, and hydrocarbons (Hydrogen Fuel News).

Meanwhile, Vema Hydrogen has launched a world-class Scientific Advisory Board aimed at scaling up geologic hydrogen to gigawatt-scale production (GlobeNewswire).

Pioneering Technology for Natural Hydrogen Valorization

In Western Australia, startup Carbon280 unveiled a breakthrough called Hydrilyte, a metal hydride stored in mineral oil that enables hydrogen storage at ambient temperatures. This method allows higher density, improved purity including helium separation, and affordability, potentially bringing natural hydrogen costs down to roughly one dollar per kilogram (The Australian).

Global Hydrogen Landscape: From Natural to Green and Blue

While natural hydrogen is rising in prominence, traditional hydrogen sources continue to dominate the energy mix.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects total hydrogen production to rise by around 80 percent by 2050. However, over 99 percent of that will still come from natural gas via steam methane reforming, as electrolyzer-based methods remain below one percent of total production, even with policies like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act in place (EIA).

Technological advances in green hydrogen, especially alkaline electrolysis are accelerating. Final investment decisions for over 1.5 million tons per annum capacity are expected in 2025, ten times more than green hydrogen capacity. China controls more than 60 percent of global electrolyzer manufacturing capacity (Energies Media).

Despite this momentum, the European Union risks falling short of its hydrogen target of 40 gigawatts by 2030, with only about 12 gigawatts expected to materialize (Reuters).

On the U.S. Gulf Coast and in Texas, hydrogen particularly blue hydrogen, is seen as a major growth engine, leveraging existing pipelines and infrastructure. But the viability of many projects is threatened by the potential expiration of the 45V Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, which could impact thousands of jobs and billions in economic value (Beaumont Enterprise).

Some U.S. states are taking proactive measures. Pennsylvania’s governor has proposed a fast-track permitting program and annual tax incentives of up to 100 million dollars for hydrogen and power projects (AP News).

Internationally, India’s Uttar Pradesh inaugurated its first green hydrogen plant in Gorakhpur, integrating hydrogen into local gas networks and signaling nationwide ambition toward hydrogen expansion (India Times).

In Australia, a two-billion-dollar Bell Bay Powerfuels project in Tasmania will generate green methanol from hydrogen and biomass, powered entirely by renewables. It is expected to produce 300,000 tonnes annually and position Tasmania as a green hydrogen exporter by 2025–2027 (Herald Sun).

What This Means: A Converging Energy Frontier

The story of geologic hydrogen as a promising, untapped clean energy source is reinforced by today’s developments while also fitting into the broader hydrogen economy. Natural hydrogen remains nascent, with limited demonstration but high potential, especially in places like Mali and target-rich regions identified by the USGS and private firms. Technological innovation such as Hydrilyte promises to reduce costs and overcome practical extraction and transportation hurdles. Meanwhile, conventional hydrogen markets, green, blue, and gray, continue to scale, supported by policies, investment, and national strategy. Regulatory clarity, public funding, and scientific validation are essential to move geologic hydrogen from concept to reality.