US firm to assess geologic hydrogen development

MUSCAT: US-based clean energy technology company GeoKiln Energy Innovation has signed an agreement with Oman National Engineering & Investment Company (ONEIC), a publicly listed Omani firm, to evaluate the potential for producing low-carbon hydrogen from the Sultanate of Oman's distinctive geological formations.
The agreement marks another step in growing international interest in Oman's potential as a hub for geologic hydrogen development, leveraging its extensive iron-rich rock formations and the natural chemical processes through which hydrogen can be generated underground.
Under a 12-month Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Houston-headquartered GeoKiln and ONEIC will assess the feasibility of deploying GeoKiln's proprietary Manufactured Subsurface Hydrogen (MSSH) technology at a mutually identified location in Oman.
The evaluation will encompass geological characteristics, subsurface data, existing infrastructure, regulatory and permitting requirements, potential customers and preliminary project economics. Subject to favourable findings, the partners may consider progressing towards a pilot or commercial-scale development, potentially through a joint venture.
Unlike conventional green hydrogen production, which relies on renewable electricity to split water through electrolysis, GeoKiln's technology seeks to stimulate hydrogen-generating chemical reactions within suitable underground rock formations.
The process involves precision subsurface heating to accelerate naturally occurring reactions in iron-rich rocks, potentially creating a new pathway for producing low-carbon hydrogen using existing drilling technologies and industrial infrastructure.
Dr Alexei Tcherniak, Co-Founder and CEO of GeoKiln Energy Innovation, highlighted Oman's exceptional geological characteristics.
'Oman's geology has taught the world much of what we know about how the Earth makes hydrogen,' he said. 'Our technology is designed to accelerate that process in a controlled, predictable way. Working with ONEIC, a partner with deep roots in Oman's energy and infrastructure sector, lets us evaluate MSSH in one of the most compelling geological settings anywhere.'
GeoKiln, which participates in the Breakthrough Energy Fellows programme, is developing its technology as a potentially scalable and cost-competitive alternative for low-carbon hydrogen production.
ONEIC says the partnership offers an opportunity to diversify its extensive engineering and infrastructure capabilities into an emerging clean energy segment.
The initiative also reinforces Oman's growing profile in geologic hydrogen research, particularly around the country's ophiolite formations, which have attracted international scientific attention for their hydrogen-generating potential.
If commercially validated, engineered geologic hydrogen could complement Oman's promising green hydrogen industry, potentially opening another avenue for domestic industrial decarbonisation and future clean energy investment.