A groundbreaking study conducted by Oxford, Durham, and Toronto universities has unveiled a promising pathway to tap into Earth's vast natural hydrogen reservoirs. Published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the research introduces a comprehensive strategy for identifying and extracting this low-emission energy source from deep within the Earth's crust. The study challenges the conventional belief that hydrogen is primarily located in the mantle, revealing its presence in a variety of geological formations within the crust. Professor Chris Ballentine, the lead author, emphasizes the global distribution and accessibility of these hydrogen systems, paving the way for a commercially competitive, low-carbon hydrogen source. The study also points out the significant environmental benefits of natural hydrogen, serving as a carbon-free substitute for the current hydrocarbon-derived hydrogen production methods, which contribute to global CO₂ emissions. While acknowledging potential challenges such as underground hydrogen-consuming microbes, the researchers are optimistic about the prospect of natural hydrogen becoming a dependable and scalable component in worldwide decarbonization efforts and the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.