Kansas Drilling Rekindles the Hydrogen Dream

HyTerra’s Kansas wells test whether underground hydrogen can power a new clean fuel frontier

24 Nov 2025

HyTerra has begun drilling in Kansas as part of a campaign to test whether underground hydrogen deposits in the US Midwest can support future commercial production. The move marks one of the earliest attempts to assess natural hydrogen in the country and adds momentum to a sector seeking clearer evidence of economic potential.

The company has shifted from mapping and leasing land to drilling in an area known for historical traces of hydrogen and helium. The wells are expected to provide initial data on whether hydrogen has accumulated in sufficient quantities to warrant further testing. For an industry still at the proof-of-concept stage, even early signals are viewed as significant.

Interest in natural hydrogen has grown in recent years. The US Geological Survey published its first national map of potential subsurface hydrogen zones earlier this year, pointing to possible resources across the Midwest and other regions. The agency stressed that the map highlights geological prospects rather than confirmed reserves. Analysts at S&P Global said explorers and subsurface specialists are now incorporating hydrogen assessments into longer-term planning, reflecting a shift from niche research to broader commercial evaluation.

The appeal lies in the possibility that hydrogen could be produced directly from the ground at lower cost than current methods, which rely on electrolyzers powered by renewable energy. Hydrogen is already considered important for heavy industry and longer-term decarbonisation goals. A natural supply could offer an alternative route, though any commercial case will depend on verified flow rates, access to infrastructure and clear demand from buyers.

Regulatory questions also remain, including how potential discoveries would be classified and which agencies would oversee production. Specialists caution that early results are likely to be modest and that development will progress slowly. Still, the sector is looking for concrete evidence that underground systems can deliver steady, measurable flows.

Kansas may offer an early indication. If HyTerra confirms stable production during testing, the outcome could prompt wider exploration and additional investment in other regions. For now, attention is centred on the Midwest, where a quiet patch of farmland is emerging as a focal point in the search for a new domestic energy source.