Researchers at the University of Groningen, led by Graeme Blake, have developed an energy-efficient cooling method using magnetocaloric materials to produce liquid hydrogen. Traditional cooling technologies for hydrogen, such as those requiring temperatures as low as minus 253°C, are highly energy-intensive. The new method involves inducing a magnetic field in materials, causing them to heat up and then transfer the heat to a 'heat sink,' effectively cooling the material and its surroundings. This process not only reduces energy consumption but also eliminates the use of refrigerant gases with potent greenhouse effects. By utilizing magnetocaloric cooling, the team successfully reached the low temperature of 20°K required to liquefy hydrogen. What sets this achievement apart is the absence of rare-earth metals in the cooling material, a significant departure from previous practices that were resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. The researchers envision that their material, or its future iterations, could enhance the efficiency and sustainability of hydrogen cooling technologies. The study, published in Nature Communications, outlines the remarkable performance of the rare-earth-free material developed by Blake's team. By demonstrating the ability to produce liquid hydrogen without rare-earth metals, the research opens up new possibilities for cost-effective and eco-friendly cooling solutions in various industrial and scientific applications. This advancement signifies a significant step towards a more sustainable future in hydrogen utilization and storage.