Geologic hydrogen startup Koloma, based in Denver, secured US$23.8 million to launch exploration activities in Australia. The company, backed by investors like Osaka Gas and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, announced the creation of a new subsidiary, Koloma Australia, led by Dr. Lawrence (Trey) Meckel. This move marks the company's first step towards international expansion, with more locations planned in the future. The funding round included existing investors like MOL Switch, supporting both Koloma Australia and its parent company. The primary goal of the investment is to advance natural hydrogen as a carbon-free shipping resource in the Asia-Pacific region. Koloma CEO Pete Johnson expressed optimism about Australia's potential for natural hydrogen and the company's role in unlocking these resources. The focus is on building partnerships, creating job opportunities, and making significant discoveries in the field of natural hydrogen exploration.