By Eric Lee, Director of Research and Technology Commercialization
Even the cleanest solution will struggle to gain broad adoption if it is too expensive or difficult to access. That is why I am excited to share a few thoughts about geologic hydrogen, why it could be one of our most promising paths toward both economic and environmental stability, and what this opportunity could mean for Michigan.
Q: Why is geologic hydrogen getting so much attention?
A: I see geologic hydrogen as one of the most exciting opportunities in today’s energy landscape. If it can be produced on a commercial scale, it could offer a domestic, clean energy source at a cost comparable to—or even lower than—primary energy sources such as oil and natural gas. Some estimates place the global value of geologic hydrogen in the trillions of dollars, which helps explain why governments, investors, and exploration companies are paying close attention. Michigan’s geology is an important part of that conversation. As I often say, “People with billions are chasing trillions.”
Q: What is geologic hydrogen?
A: Geologic hydrogen is hydrogen gas that forms naturally underground. It can be created when water reacts with iron-rich rocks, a process known as serpentinization, or when natural radiation breaks apart water molecules, a process known as radiolysis. In some cases, hydrogen may collect underground in ways that resemble other natural resources. This is often called natural hydrogen. Researchers and exploration companies are also studying stimulated geologic hydrogen, where certain underground conditions may be encouraged to produce more hydrogen over time.
Q: Why is Michigan part of the discussion?
A: The U.S. Geological Survey’s Prospectivity Mapping for Geologic Hydrogen study highlights parts of the United States with geology that may warrant further exploration. One key focus area I pay close attention to is the iron-rich rocks associated with the 1.1-billion-year-old Midcontinent Rift structure, which extends from north of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula down to Kansas. It’s important to remember that a prospectivity map does not mean commercially recoverable hydrogen has already been confirmed. The way to think of the USGS research mapping results is as a “look here” map, not a “drill here” map. In other words, it identifies areas that deserve further study, not confirmed commercial reserves. Even so, Michigan’s geology makes it a high-value target for both natural and stimulated hydrogen exploration and production.
Q: If we find geologic hydrogen, what happens next?
A: First, it’s important to remember that hydrogen is already used today, and in some applications, current production methods and cost structures can be competitive. At the same time, tomorrow will not look completely different overnight. Some uses will likely remain within existing systems for a while because storage requirements, distribution networks, technology limitations, and infrastructure still need time and investment to mature. Even if geologic hydrogen is discovered, moving from exploration to production will take time and significant investment.
Q: What’s NextEnergy role?
A: These are exciting times, and I do think there is a bit of gold-rush energy around the size of the opportunity. However, any future development will depend on strong geological evidence, production rates, cost, infrastructure, environmental safeguards, permitting, and sustained demand. Advancing this work will require both intellectual and financial capital to build momentum. With that in mind, NextEnergy and HX Group established the Michigan Geological Hydrogen Initiative, or MGH2, to evaluate Michigan’s potential geologic hydrogen resources and develop partnerships around possible future commercialization. Today, we are working with legacy OEMs, startups, universities, private equity partners, and federal and state governments to accelerate resource validation and support a path toward commercialization.
About Eric Lee
Eric Lee is NextEnergy’s Director of Research and Technology Commercialization, with more than two decades of experience commercializing advanced technologies and advancing mobility electrification, hydrogen infrastructure, and propulsion ecosystems. In addition to receiving multiple patent awards, he holds a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from Michigan Technological University and a master’s degree in science from Wayne State University. He also serves on the executive board of the Council of the Great Lakes Region and is a registered professional engineer in the State of Michigan.
