Gold H2, a Houston-based startup, is pioneering the use of oil-eating microbes to produce clean hydrogen at a retired oil field in California's San Joaquin Basin. The company introduces a unique combination of microbes and nutrients into nearly depleted oil reservoirs, where the microorganisms break down the oil and excrete hydrogen that can be brought to the surface. This process offers a more cost-effective way to produce clean hydrogen compared to traditional methods. The company aims to achieve a cost of about 25 cents per pound for hydrogen, potentially making it competitive with natural gas. While the process does emit some carbon dioxide, Gold H2 anticipates that its emissions are lower than those from fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. Challenges remain in scaling the process to commercial levels and improving the purity of the hydrogen produced. Despite these hurdles, Gold H2 is actively finalizing field trials in the U.S. and globally, with plans to expand internationally to countries like Canada, the Middle East, Europe, and Brazil. As the future of federal incentives for clean hydrogen in the U.S. remains uncertain, Gold H2 is looking towards international markets for deployment. The company's focus on utilizing existing oil resources in a cleaner and more efficient manner aligns with the global push for sustainable energy solutions. By leveraging innovative biotechnology, Gold H2 is at the forefront of transforming retired oil fields into sites for hydrogen production, contributing to the energy transition towards cleaner fuels.