Al explores Wyoming's hidden hydrogen potential

Wyoming uses Al to scan old drilling data for hydrogen, with hopes of cutting risks and costs in early exploration

2 Sep 2025

Researchers at the University of Wyoming are testing artificial intelligence to help locate naturally occurring hydrogen, in an early-stage effort that could reduce the risks and costs of exploring for the low-carbon fuel.

The project, housed in the university's School of Energy Resources, is using Al to analyse decades of drilling records, geological maps and gas samples. The system highlights areas most likely to hold hydrogen deposits, feeding each new data point back into the model to refine its predictions.

The initiative is funded by the state and supported by Hestia Energy, a private company. Backers say the effort demonstrates how data originally gathered for oil and gas development can be repurposed for cleaner energy. If successful, the technology could offer energy companies new ways to diversify portfolios as they face pressure to cut emissions.

Researchers stress, however, that the science remains unproven. Hydrogen systems are still poorly understood, and methods tested in Wyoming may not apply to other basins with different geology. Regulatory frameworks for natural hydrogen exploration are also in their infancy, while economic barriers could delay commercial uptake.

Industry analysts say the project's main value lies in testing exploration methods rather than guaranteeing discovery. "This is really about proving out approaches that, if they work, could inform exploration more broadly," said one adviser.

Wyoming's effort positions the state as an early testing ground for hydrogen exploration. Whether Al can scale effectively or deliver commercial finds remains uncertain, but the project highlights the intersection of digital technology, public funding and private interest in the search for new energy sources.