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Eclipse Energy has developed a method to produce hydrogen from abandoned oil wells in the U.S. by injecting microorganisms that consume leftover crude oil. The company aims to match hydrogen production costs to 50 cents per kilogram, similar to conventional natural gas processing.

There are approximately 3 million dormant oil and gas wells across the U.S., many still containing recoverable resources. Eclipse, which has tested this technology in California's San Joaquin Basin, has partnered with Weatherford International to deploy the technology globally, with initial projects set to begin in January.

The microorganisms convert oil into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, allowing for easier collection of hydrogen. This approach provides a low-carbon hydrogen source for various applications, turning previously costly liabilities into clean energy assets.