Bay City News: Natural Hydrogen Exploration Expands in California as Lake County Emerges as a Key Target

Bay City News Service  has published an in-depth feature examining the growing interest in natural hydrogen exploration across northern California, with Lake County emerging as one of the most closely watched prospective regions in the United States. 

The article focuses primarily on Koloma, the U.S.-based natural hydrogen exploration company backed by investors including Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund. Over the past year, Koloma has completed roadside magnetotelluric (MT) surveys around Cobb and Kelseyville to map subsurface geological structures that could potentially trap naturally occurring hydrogen. According to county officials, the roadside portion of the survey has now been completed, while additional work on private land is expected to continue through the summer. 

Researchers cited in the article explain that magnetotelluric surveys cannot detect hydrogen directly. Instead, they identify geological conditions—such as fault systems, reservoir rocks, and sealing formations—that may be favourable for hydrogen accumulation. The work is based on previous academic research that identified the Clear Lake Volcanic Field as one of Northern California's most promising natural hydrogen targets due to its iron-rich geology, active tectonics, and evidence of serpentinization. 

The report also highlights growing industry activity beyond Koloma. Anning Corp., through its subsidiary Fremantle Lake CA LLC, is progressing environmental review and permitting for an exploratory hydrogen well on California state lands, while Vema Hydrogen has announced commercial agreements aimed at supplying low-carbon hydrogen to data centre customers. Together, these developments illustrate increasing commercial interest in California's emerging natural hydrogen sector. 

Beyond geology, the article explores the regulatory questions surrounding natural hydrogen development in California. Unlike oil, gas, or geothermal resources, the state currently lacks legislation specifically governing natural hydrogen ownership, permitting, and production, leaving important legal and regulatory issues unresolved as exploration advances. 

Full article can be found here [EXTERNAL].