EVENT POSTPONED Natural Hydrogen: An Overlooked Potential Energy Resource

UPDATE: Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, Dr. Geoffrey Ellis' visit to Iowa State University is postponed. We will announce new dates as soon as possible.

This lecture explores the growing role of hydrogen in the global energy transition, particularly the increasing demand for blue and green hydrogen to meet climate goals. While hydrogen is currently seen mainly as an energy carrier, there is renewed interest in exploring naturally occurring subsurface hydrogen as a potential resource. Recent discoveries suggest geoscientists may have underestimated natural hydrogen’s economic potential due to limited exploration methods. The talk will examine what is known, what remains uncertain, and what advancements are needed to tap into this overlooked energy source.

Geoffrey Ellis is a research geologist and the project chief of the Potential for Geologic Hydrogen Gas Resources project within the U.S. Geological Survey. He is also an affiliated faculty member in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from Cornell University, a master’s degree in geochemistry from the Colorado School of Mines, a doctorate in marine geology and geophysics from the University of Miami, and post-doctoral experience at the California Institute of Technology. He has worked for more than 30 years conducting research and exploration related to energy resources and associated environmental issues.

This lecture recording can be found on the Available Recordings page approximately two business days after the event and will remain accessible for three weeks.