Gold H2, a company originating from Cemvita based in Houston, is on a mission to revolutionize hydrogen production by utilizing fermentation to create oil-eating microbes that release subsurface hydrogen. Their newly appointed CEO, Prab Sekhon, aims to commercialize this technology within the next 12 to 24 months. The company has already conducted successful field trials in the Permian Basin in 2022 and is now expanding its microbial portfolio to target more oil reservoirs for hydrogen production. Gold H2 has also developed a mobile fermentation unit that can be easily deployed and connected to a water injection system for on-site microbe production. The targeted oil reservoirs are expected to transform into hydrogen producers under specific conditions, allowing for the conversion of depleted oil reservoirs into subsurface biorefineries. Gold hydrogen, as referred to by Sekhon, is a novel source of carbon-neutral hydrogen produced from these reservoirs, offering a cost-effective solution for hydrogen production. The company is looking to deploy pilot projects in various regions, including the U.S., Asia, and Europe, to showcase the potential of their technology. Additionally, Gold H2 aims to extend the life of uneconomic oil fields by retrofitting existing infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen production. Despite the low cost of geologic hydrogen production, the process comes with exploration risks, as it involves conventional reservoirs where success rates are lower. However, the company is optimistic about the impact of their technology on the energy industry, with a target production cost of 80 cents per kilogram for hydrogen. By utilizing existing technology for CO2 scrubbing and reinjecting residual CO2 back into the reservoir, Gold H2 is paving the way for a sustainable and efficient hydrogen production method. The company envisions 2024 as a significant year for their technology, as they plan to deploy pilots and demonstrate the potential paradigm shift in the energy sector.