Global Race to Unlock Subterranean Hydrogen: The Future of Limitless Clean Energy

The discovery of underground pure hydrogen is reshaping the understanding of this abundant element and its potential as a clean energy source.

The U.S. Department of Energy is funding research to harness this resource, with projects focused on optimizing the natural production process and making it economically viable.

The Promise of Geologic Hydrogen

Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, is typically found bound with other elements—for instance, with oxygen in water or with carbon in methane. However, the discovery of naturally occurring underground pockets of pure hydrogen is challenging this assumption. These hidden reserves are attracting attention as a potentially limitless source of carbon-free energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy is among those taking notice. This year, it awarded $20 million in research grants to 18 teams from laboratories, universities, and private companies. The goal: to develop technologies that can produce cost-effective, clean fuel from underground hydrogen sources.