Exploring the Future of Geologic Hydrogen

Exploring the Future of Geologic Hydrogen: Defining the Path Ahead (June 2025) outlines the current state of the emerging geologic hydrogen industry and maps out feasible pathways to prove the technology at scale. The report was developed following a full-day private workshop hosted by the EFI Foundation (EFIF) that brought together over 40 technical experts, industry, policymakers, and investors to assess the current state of geologic hydrogen and chart a path forward.

Geologic hydrogen is a naturally occurring and potentially abundant resource that could play a transformative role in achieving a decarbonized future. With relatively modest discovery and development costs, it is a low-risk, high-reward investment opportunity. The U.S. is well-positioned to lead this effort given its expertise in drilling, geoscience, and subsurface resource. If successful, geologic hydrogen can help to expand U.S. influence in global energy innovation.

In this report, EFIF shares insights following the private workshop, which illuminated several key points:

• Geologic hydrogen’s potential is massive, but confirming it requires a willingness and ability to “fail fast” with enough “shots on goal” to eventually scale, assuming the geological realities are supportive.

• Regulatory clarity on permitting and definitions is foundational for project development.

• The initial high capital risk for exploration means early-stage public support is essential to unlock private investment.

• Federal science and standards must complement state-level decision-making.

• Privately held data provides a competitive advantage, but shared frameworks can reduce duplication and accelerate sector learning.

• Without viable transportation and offtakers, even cheap, naturally occurring hydrogen can be left undeveloped, or stranded.

• Host communities cannot be afterthoughts; they must be brought in from the start.

The United States is positioned to lead in realizing the full potential of geologic hydrogen, but swift action must be taken with coordinated public investment, regulatory clarity, infrastructure planning, and workforce development. Early action is essential to de-risk exploration, attract private investment, and ensure socially sustainable development. As other nations move quickly, the U.S. risks falling behind unless it embraces this frontier moment and establishes geologic hydrogen as a cornerstone of its clean energy future.