Core Viewpoint - Geological hydrogen, or white hydrogen, is emerging as a potential clean energy solution amid the global transition to clean energy, attracting interest from major companies and investors [1][2]. Group 1: White Hydrogen Development - White hydrogen is generated from the reaction of underground water with iron-rich minerals and is considered a renewable energy source [1]. - Major companies like Rio Tinto, Fortescue, Gazprom, and BP are supporting white hydrogen research, indicating growing investor interest [1]. - Exploration projects are underway in Canada, the U.S., and France, with 2026 identified as a critical year for assessing white hydrogen's feasibility [1]. Group 2: Challenges in White Hydrogen Extraction - The development of white hydrogen faces challenges, including its scattered global distribution and limited knowledge about extraction methods [2]. - Only a few companies have initiated actual drilling activities, despite many planning drilling and extraction tests [2]. - The discovery of significant white hydrogen reserves in Kansas by the startup Koloma, backed by Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, highlights potential but also uncertainty regarding commercial extraction [2]. Group 3: Future Prospects and Research Needs - White hydrogen exploration is still in its early stages, requiring extensive research and development to understand reserve sizes and extraction methods [3]. - The discovery of 9.2 million tons of hydrogen in the Lorraine region of France, valued at approximately $9.2 billion, underscores the potential but also the regulatory and safety challenges in extraction [2].