4 Key Takeaways for Landowners: Geologic Hydrogen
Geologic hydrogen (aka “natural hydrogen”) could be a game changer for the global energy supply. According to the Geologic Hydrogen published by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 2025, “...even a small fraction of the estimated amount of subsurface hydrogen could potentially meet all global projected demand for hundreds of years.”
That’s exciting news, especially for landowners. Here are a few things for landowners to keep in mind.
1. Hydrogen Is an Emerging Opportunity in the US
Many Americans are at least somewhat familiar with the concept of hydrogen as an energy source. That said, hydrogen’s potential has not yet gained widespread awareness. After all, hydrogen’s primary application in the energy sector has been limited to rocket fuel and other specialized applications, according to the USGS. And, according to the Alternative Fueling Station Locator from the U.S. Department of Energy, the United States only has 50 fueling locations that offer hydrogen—49 of which are in California. Harnessing geologic hydrogen could finally make H2 a viable energy source in the United States.
2. Energy Can Be a Sensitive Topic
According to a USGS news release in January 2025, areas of interest for geologic hydrogen accumulations include “…a mid-continent region that covers Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan, the Four Corners states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, the California coast, and areas along the Eastern seaboard.” For years, midwestern landowners have been pursued about wind and solar, leading some to experience “renewable energy” fatigue. In addition, alternative energy can be a sensitive topic for people on both sides of the political aisle.
3. Minimizing Crop Damage is Essential
Owners of agricultural land think in terms of yield metrics like bushels per acre. While the dream of realizing millions of dollars in hydrogen royalties is enticing, farmers and landowners deserve to be informed about a project’s immediate impact on crops.
4. Some States Have Little (or No) Experience with Surface Minerals
States like Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Oklahoma have long track records when it comes to national gas and crude oil production. But, petroleum is not a big business in every state. For example, according to Oil and Petroleum Products Explained from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 72% of total US crude oil production originated from only five states in 2022. States like Georgia, South Carolina, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Washington produced zero barrels of crude oil that year. Geologic hydrogen deposits may not align with oil and gas production, which means additional subsurface analysis could be required. For landowners, that could mean longer timelines than desired.
Landowners can contact us to discuss questions about geologic hydrogen.