What Makes Stanford Unique
Across these studies, Stanford’s geologic hydrogen research program is distinguished by several key strengths:
- Integration across disciplines — combining geochemistry, geophysics, engineering, and energy systems analysis
- Multiple complementary research groups — including companion groups working on subsurface reactions, exploration methods, and climate impacts
- Close collaboration with external partners such as the U.S. Geological Survey
- A focus on practical exploration tools that translate scientific insight into drilling and development strategies
By serving as a clearinghouse for geologic hydrogen knowledge, the Stanford Geologic Hydrogen Consortium aims to accelerate discovery and help build the scientific foundations of this emerging energy industry.
Techno-economic analysis of natural and stimulated geological hydrogen
Mathur et al., International Journal of Hydrogen Energy (2025)
This study develops one of the first integrated techno-economic frameworks for evaluating both naturally occurring and stimulated geologic hydrogen systems. By modeling the full hydrogen value chain—from subsurface exploration and drilling through surface processing, purification, and delivery—the research identifies the technical and economic parameters that control project viability. The analysis shows that hydrogen production costs below $1/kg are achievable under realistic conditions, with natural accumulations estimated at approximately $0.54/kg and stimulated systems around $0.92/kg in the base case. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that wellhead hydrogen purity and production flow rate are the dominant cost drivers, providing clear exploration targets for industry.
Beyond evaluating individual projects, the work highlights how stimulated hydrogen systems could enable scalable hydrogen production by leveraging the widespread availability of iron-rich rocks and enabling co-location near demand centers. This research exemplifies Stanford’s approach to geologic hydrogen: integrating subsurface geoscience, engineering, and techno-economic modeling to evaluate hydrogen systems as a complete energy resource.
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.