A team of researchers from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Moscow has devised a groundbreaking method to produce hydrogen directly from natural gas in gas fields, with a remarkable 45% efficiency. The process involves injecting steam and a catalyst into the gas well, followed by igniting the gas with oxygen, resulting in a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can then be separated. This innovative technology not only accelerates the transition from fossil fuels to clean hydrogen power but also offers a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. The team's approach leverages the abundance of hydrogen present in hydrocarbons at the molecular level in natural gas reservoirs, presenting an opportunity to extract 'green' fuel from existing resources. Through a multi-step process tested in lab reactors simulating real gas reservoir conditions, the researchers demonstrated the conversion of methane into hydrogen, achieving the highest efficiency at 800°C with ample steam injection. The team also highlighted the importance of using inert materials like porous alumina to optimize hydrogen yield. Dr. Elena Mukhina, the project's leader, emphasized the significance of adapting established technologies for hydrogen production in gas fields and expressed intentions to further validate the method in real-world applications. This study marks a significant advancement in sustainable energy production and sets a foundation for scalable hydrogen synthesis in the petroleum industry, fostering a greener and more environmentally conscious approach to energy generation.