Transforming Abandoned Oil Wells into Hydrogen Powerhouses: Eclipse Energy’s Microbial Innovation
The United States is home to approximately 3 million abandoned oil and gas wells, many of which still contain untapped reserves of oil and natural gas. However, extraction from these wells has often been deemed economically unviable. Eclipse Energy, a Houston-based startup, is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to harness the residual energy in these dormant wells by deploying specialized microbes that convert leftover oil into hydrogen gas.
Prab Sekhon, CEO of Eclipse Energy, highlights the potential of these wells:
They’ve tried everything, Sekhon stated. There’s still a ton of oil left behind.
Instead of employing traditional methods to extract the remaining oil, Eclipse Energy introduces specific microbes into the wells. These microorganisms consume the oil molecules, breaking them down into hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The resulting hydrogen gas is less dense and more fluid than crude oil, facilitating easier extraction from the well. Sekhon emphasizes this advantage:
Hydrogen flows a lot easier, he noted, underscoring the efficiency of this method.
Eclipse Energy, originally known as Gold H2 and a spin-off from Cemvita, has been refining this technology over several years. The company has been identifying and cultivating microbes naturally present in oil wells, particularly those residing at the interface between oil and water in aquifers, to optimize the conversion process.
In the summer of 2025, Eclipse Energy successfully demonstrated this technology in California’s San Joaquin Basin. Building on this success, the company has partnered with Weatherford International, a global oilfield services provider, to implement the technology on a larger scale. The initial projects under this partnership are slated to commence in January 2026. Sekhon describes the collaboration:
They’re an extension of our team, he said, referring to Weatherford’s role as the operational arm in this venture.
The microbial process not only produces hydrogen but also generates carbon dioxide. Approximately half of this carbon dioxide is expected to remain sequestered in the reservoir, while the remainder can be captured using specialized equipment for sequestration or utilization. Eclipse Energy aims to produce low-carbon hydrogen at a cost of around 50 cents per kilogram, aligning with the current market price of hydrogen derived from natural gas—a process that typically emits more carbon dioxide.
The hydrogen produced through this innovative method has versatile applications, including use in petrochemical plants and as a clean energy source. Sekhon encapsulates the transformative potential of this approach:
It’s taking a liability and turning it into a clean energy asset, he remarked.
This initiative by Eclipse Energy represents a significant stride in repurposing abandoned oil wells, contributing to the global transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
