The University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers are delving into the potential of unlocking clean energy through natural hydrogen extracted from the ancient North American Midcontinent Rift. This rift, formed almost 1.1 billion years ago, stretches over 1,200 miles from beneath Lake Superior through several states. Hydrogen, constantly renewing underground from water interacting with volcanic rock, serves as a promising alternative to carbon-emitting fossil fuels. The project, led by Seunghee Kim, aims to understand the production, migration, and accumulation of naturally generated hydrogen in the deep subsurface. A test well drilled in Nebraska five years ago has shown promising data, hinting at the possibility of large-scale hydrogen production in the region. The research team, including Karrie Weber and Hyun-Seob Song, explores questions on hydrogen flow, storage feasibility, microbiological impact, and potential microbial consumption. The project, funded by the NSF, is part of a larger effort to advance research in clean energy. Nebraska's involvement positions the state as a potential leader in the hydrogen economy, contributing to global efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.