Researchers at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) in Moscow have been exploring a novel approach to hydrogen production by converting natural gas into hydrogen inside the reservoir itself, leaving carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide trapped underground. The process, described in a paper published in the journal Fuel in May 2024, involves a thermocatalytic process to convert methane into a gas mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The research team, led by Elena Mukhina, has achieved promising results in laboratory tests, converting up to 45% of the total gas volume into hydrogen at 800°C. By utilizing steam methane reforming initiated by in-situ gas combustion, the team aims to enable the production of hydrogen directly from reservoirs without releasing greenhouse gases. The process involves adjusting parameters like temperature and the steam-to-methane ratio to optimize hydrogen yield. The technology, though still in the research phase, shows potential for industrial implementation. Skoltech's work, supported by the Russian Science Foundation, has attracted interest for potential collaborations in the future, with contacts already established with the Iranian Renewable Energy Department. While other companies are exploring similar hydrogen production methods in oil reservoirs, Skoltech's research appears to be cutting-edge in direct hydrogen production from gas fields, showcasing innovation in the energy sector.