Researchers at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow have devised an innovative method to produce hydrogen from natural gas fields with 45% efficiency. By injecting steam and a catalyst into a well and igniting the gas with oxygen, the team successfully converted the natural gas into a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This breakthrough technology aims to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean hydrogen power, offering a promising solution for environmental concerns related to carbon emissions. The study, supported by the Russian Science Foundation, was published in the journal Fuel. The process involves a series of steps where steam, catalyst, and oxygen are introduced into the well to initiate combustion and conversion of natural gas components. The resulting hydrogen can be easily extracted, while carbon dioxide remains trapped underground, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Testing conducted in lab reactors that replicate gas reservoir conditions demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of this approach. The team's leader, Elena Mukhina, highlighted the significance of adapting well-established technologies for hydrogen production in real gas fields. The method, which leverages the abundance of hydrogen present in natural gas reservoirs, shows promise for scaling up production and enhancing the utilization of 'green' fuel sources. With further development and testing planned for real gas fields, this innovative process could revolutionize hydrogen production and contribute to a cleaner energy future.