Gold H2, a Houston-based startup, has made significant strides in the energy sector by successfully producing clean hydrogen from a depleted oilfield in California's San Joaquin Basin. By leveraging a unique biotechnology approach involving microbes, the company aims to revolutionize hydrogen production. The process entails introducing a specialized blend of microbes and nutrients into nearly exhausted oil reservoirs, where these microorganisms break down the remaining oil and release hydrogen as a byproduct. This innovative method not only provides a sustainable source of hydrogen but also repurposes existing oil assets in an environmentally friendly manner. The conventional method of obtaining clean hydrogen typically involves costly water-splitting machines. In contrast, Gold H2's approach utilizes the natural decomposition of oil by microbes to yield hydrogen, offering a more cost-effective alternative. The startup's CEO, Prabhdeep Singh Sekhon, emphasizes the potential to produce hydrogen at a competitive price point of $0.50 per kilogram, aligning with the cost of natural gas. While Gold H2's process generates some carbon dioxide during hydrogen purification, the overall emissions are relatively low compared to traditional fossil fuel-derived gas. The company is actively conducting additional field trials in various locations, including Texas, to optimize its technology further. Despite the promising advancements, challenges such as scalability and achieving cost efficiency persist in the quest to commercialize this innovative approach to hydrogen production. Other startups are also exploring similar strategies to extract hydrogen from underground reservoirs, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable energy solutions within the oil industry.