Eclipse Energy Launches Global Plan to Turn Abandoned Oil Wells into Clean Hydrogen Sources

A Houston-based startup has a novel plan for millions of abandoned oil wells. Eclipse Energy will use specially engineered microbes to convert residual oil into hydrogen gas. The company announced an exclusive global partnership with oilfield services giant Weatherford International to deploy the technology.The first field projects are scheduled to begin in January. This initiative aims to transform environmental liabilities into sources of clean energy. According to Reuters, managing abandoned well leaks is a growing climate priority.

Microbial Technology Offers New Life for Old Wells

The process targets wells that are no longer economical for traditional oil extraction. Eclipse selects microbes that naturally occur at the oil-water interface in reservoirs. These microbes are then introduced into the sealed well.They consume the remaining hydrocarbons, breaking them down. This biological reaction produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide gas. The gases are then extracted to the surface for separation.The company successfully demonstrated the technology in California last summer. The partnership with Weatherford provides a global operational framework for rollout. Weatherford will handle on-the-ground logistics at well sites worldwide.

Economic and Environmental Impact of Well Conversion

The potential scale is significant. Estimates suggest the United States alone has up to 3 million abandoned or inactive oil and gas wells. Many still hold substantial hydrocarbon resources that are too difficult to pump conventionally.Eclipse CEO Prab Sekhon stated the goal is to produce low-carbon hydrogen for about 50 cents per kilogram. This price would be competitive with hydrogen derived from natural gas. The process could also sequester a portion of the carbon dioxide underground.The approach addresses a major waste and emissions problem. Leaking methane from old wells is a potent contributor to global warming. Converting these sites creates a new revenue stream for landowners and addresses a lingering environmental issue.

Top 2025 Christmas Gifts for Dad: Beyond Socks and Whiskey

This microbial hydrogen production represents a pragmatic shift in energy strategy. It leverages existing infrastructure for a cleaner future. The global partnership marks a critical step in scaling this novel technology.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How does the microbial hydrogen production process work?

Specially selected microbes are injected into sealed, abandoned wells. They consume the residual oil and break it down through a natural biological process. This reaction releases hydrogen and carbon dioxide gases that are then captured at the surface.

Q2: Is the hydrogen produced considered “green”?

The hydrogen is classified as low-carbon, not strictly green. While the process uses a fossil fuel source, it prevents methane leaks and utilizes stranded resources. A significant portion of the associated CO2 is also sequestered underground.

Q3: What is the cost goal for this hydrogen?

Eclipse Energy aims to produce hydrogen for approximately 50 cents per kilogram. This target price is competitive with conventional “gray” hydrogen made from natural gas. Achieving this cost is key for the technology’s commercial viability.

Q4: When will this technology be deployed?

The first operational projects under the new partnership are set to begin in January. The initial demonstration was completed in California’s San Joaquin Basin in the summer. Weatherford International will manage the global deployment.

Q5: Can any abandoned oil well be used for this?

Not all wells will be suitable. The geology and remaining reservoir contents are key factors. The partnership will assess sites globally to identify the best candidates for the microbial conversion process.