Energy Systems and Climate Impact
Techno-economic analysis of geologic hydrogen
Mathur et al. (2025)
This study develops one of the first comprehensive techno-economic frameworks for evaluating geologic hydrogen systems. By modeling the entire hydrogen value chain—from subsurface exploration and drilling through surface processing and delivery—the research identifies the parameters that determine project viability. The analysis suggests that hydrogen production costs below $1/kg may be achievable under favorable conditions, with natural accumulations estimated around $0.54/kg and stimulated systems around $0.92/kg. The work highlights hydrogen purity and well productivity as key economic drivers and demonstrates how stimulated hydrogen systems could enable geographically flexible hydrogen production.
Life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of natural hydrogen
Brandt (2023)
This study evaluates the greenhouse gas intensity of geologic hydrogen production using life-cycle assessment methods. The results show that natural hydrogen systems could achieve extremely low lifecycle emissions compared with conventional hydrogen production methods, depending on reservoir characteristics and production practices. Conducted by Stanford’s energy systems analysis group, this work complements subsurface research by evaluating the climate implications of geologic hydrogen development.
Hydrogen for sustainable aviation fuels
Mather et al. (2024)
This research examines how hydrogen production pathways—including geologic hydrogen—could support the decarbonization of aviation fuels. The study evaluates hydrogen as a feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel production and assesses the potential role of emerging hydrogen resources in meeting future aviation fuel demand. The work highlights how geologic hydrogen could contribute to broader energy system decarbonization beyond the hydrogen market itself.