The Energy Gold Rush? Unlocking Natural Hydrogen for a Carbon-free Future

By: Nadine Guerfi, KAP Business Development Executive

A Clean Energy Revolution Beneath Our Feet

Natural hydrogen - often called white, geologic, or gold hydrogen - is emerging as one of the world’s most exciting clean energy prospects. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, which require energy-intensive production, natural hydrogen is formed deep within the Earth’s crust, requires no industrial manufacturing, and emits no carbon when used (its only byproduct is water).

Recent studies suggest the Earth may be continuously generating hydrogen underground, with estimates pointing to trillions of tons of untapped, renewable energy globally.

Compared to traditional hydrogen production via electrolysis (green hydrogen) or methane reforming (grey/blue), natural hydrogen offers:

1. Zero carbon emissions 

2. Minimal energy input to extract

3. Naturally replenishing 

4. Massive potential to scale.

It offers a zero-carbon energy source that does not need to be ‘made’, but rather simply discovered and tapped.

Bubbling mud pools formed by geothermal activity, where natural hydrogen may be seeping from underground - offering a glimpse into a potential clean energy source hidden beneath the Earth's surface.

Image source: Advanced Science News

Natural Hydrogen in the Middle East

While the Gulf has long been synonymous with fossil fuels, a shift could be underway, as economic and energy diversifications become top policy priority for the region. The World Hydrogen MENA Conference (February 17-19, 2025, Dubai) will serve as a key industry platform, while the ADGM Hydrogen Investor Summit in Abu Dhabi, held earlier this year, brought together investors, government entities, and leading energy companies. The summit underscored hydrogen’s central role in regional energy strategies and gave organisations and financiers the chance to explore investment opportunities and partnerships - including for natural hydrogen.

Countries across the region are now literally looking below the surface for cleaner futures:

Oman: Confirmed natural hydrogen emissions from geological formations such as the Samail Ophiolite, with international research collaborations underway, make Oman the region’s most promising near-term site for exploration.

Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom has one of the world’s most advanced geological survey programs and is actively backing hydrogen initiatives through sovereign wealth funds like the Public Investment Fund (PIF). While its focus remains on blue and green hydrogen, its deep-pocketed support for innovation makes it a key market.

UAE: While not yet focused specifically on geologic hydrogen, the UAE’s robust R&D capacity and ambition to lead the energy transition position it as a potential incubator for future pilots and partnerships.

These insights highlight a market opportunity for the exploration and commercialisation of natural hydrogen, forming a Middle East less dependent on fossil fuels.

Satellite map showing the Middle East and surrounding regions, including parts of North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Western Asia.

H2Au: Leading the Charge

H2Au is positioning itself as a global leader in natural hydrogen exploration and production (E&P). By applying proprietary geological models, the company is:

• Securing exclusive lease areas across Africa, the US, and the Middle East

• Forming joint ventures with national entities and research institutions

• Building a de-risked, commercially scalable exploration portfolio

Natural hydrogen could align economic diversification with global climate goals. And early-stage companies willing to move fast have a chance to shape the emerging market, especially with fluid regulatory frameworks that still allow for creative structuring. H2Au is therefore actively considering how to apply its expertise and competitive edge in a region seeking clean energy solutions.

Owain Jackson, H2Au CEO, commented: “We view natural hydrogen as a global opportunity, with potential across every continent. As such, we actively seek partnerships with government agencies and research institutions in both the countries where we currently operate and those where we aim to expand. Collaborating with local experts who bring deep knowledge, data, and regulatory insight enables a valuable exchange of skills and ideas between the public and private sectors. This synergy can unlock new sites with strong potential for hydrogen exploration and production. The Middle East, in particular, stands out with its promising geology, robust infrastructure, investment appetite, and skilled workforce. We are enthusiastic about building partnerships in the region to grow our portfolio and advance the future of clean energy."

The H2Au team in the field conducting geological studies for hydrogen exploration in South Africa

Opportunities and Challenges

Natural hydrogen presents enormous promise, but also hurdles that must be addressed for the sector to scale responsibly.

Opportunities:

• A zero-carbon fuel source to accelerate net-zero goals

• Potentially lower extraction costs compared to manufactured hydrogen

• Naturally replenished, scalable reserves

Challenges:

• Regarding costs, the economics of extraction are still being modeled, and infrastructure is nascent, particularly as the main reserves of hydrogen are currently unknown.

• Regarding practicality, there are concerns on the drilling’s effect on the environment. Hydrogen is a powerful greenhouse gas in the upper atmosphere. Drilling may also disturb ecosystems or aquifers.

• In terms of ownership, there are critical equity and indigenous rights considerations, especially in developing regions.
  

A Just Transition

If developed thoughtfully, natural hydrogen could decarbonise global energy systems while driving economic diversification. But success will depend on avoiding the mistakes of past energy booms - ensuring ecosystems are protected, local communities benefit, and stakeholders collaborate transparently.

With its early-mover advantage, proprietary science, and growing partnerships, H2Au is poised to help lead this transformation as the Middle East and the world explore a new, cleaner energy future.

Partner with H2Au and KAP

H2Au is actively seeking regional partners, research institutions, and investors to accelerate pilot projects in the Middle East. To explore collaboration opportunities, contact Nadine Guerfi or the KAP team today.