Below the Cornfields, a Clean Energy Bet Takes Shape

A 2024 partnership is bringing discipline and data to US natural hydrogen exploration, starting quietly in the Midwest

10 Feb 2026

Geologists are turning their attention to an energy source that lies beneath America’s farmland rather than above it. Natural hydrogen, formed through geological processes and long ignored, is drawing renewed interest as companies look for low-carbon fuels that do not require industrial production.

In 2024, H2Au and French subsurface specialist 45-8 ENERGY formed a partnership to explore natural, or “white”, hydrogen in the US Midwest. Their initial focus is on Kansas and Iowa, regions with extensive drilling histories but little association with clean energy innovation.

The alliance reflects a change in approach in a sector that has so far been marked by small-scale and often speculative efforts. Natural hydrogen has attracted attention because it can occur naturally underground, avoiding the high energy costs of manufacturing hydrogen from fossil fuels or electricity. But previous exploration has been fragmented, with limited data and little commercial discipline.

H2Au said it would apply techniques developed in oil, gas and mining to identify potential hydrogen-bearing systems. 45-8 ENERGY brings experience in subsurface analysis and gas exploration, including hydrogen and helium, gained largely in Europe. The companies say combining those skills could help reduce the geological uncertainty that has slowed progress.

Rather than drilling new wells, the partnership is beginning by re-examining existing information. Old well logs, historical surveys and other legacy data are being reanalysed to identify the most promising areas. That measured strategy reflects investor caution after years of inflated expectations around new energy technologies.

The Midwest offers practical advantages if resources are confirmed. Existing infrastructure and decades of drilling data could help limit costs and speed up development. However, significant hurdles remain. US regulations governing natural hydrogen are still evolving, and questions around subsurface ownership have yet to be settled.

There is also no guarantee that commercially viable volumes will be found. Industry data on natural hydrogen remains sparse, and the science is still developing.

Even so, the collaboration carries symbolic weight. In an emerging industry with limited information, sharing data and risk may be essential. If successful, the approach taken by H2Au and 45-8 ENERGY could shape how natural hydrogen is explored in the US and beyond.