Webinar | Commercial Developments in Geologic Hydrogen—and Its Applicability for California

Geologic—or “natural”—hydrogen is gaining serious global attention as exploration programs uncover new formations capable of producing hydrogen generated by natural or engineered geological processes. Once considered theoretical, commercial programs are now advancing globally, with a range of early pilot and demonstration projects now testing the cost and emissions case. If the resource can be tapped at scale, geologic hydrogen could offer a low-cost, near-zero-carbon fuel to help accelerate our hydrogen economy and energy transition. 

As California advances its clean hydrogen, industrial decarbonization, and clean fuels targets, stakeholders are asking: Is geologic hydrogen a viable resource for California? 

This webinar brings together leading voices from across the geologic hydrogen field to help California’s policymakers, developers, investors, and clean energy community answer that question. The program opens with a keynote from Dr. Eric Miller, Executive Director of the Association of Geological Hydrogen (AGH), who will provide a comprehensive overview of the field—covering the technical and resource potential of geologic hydrogen, the state of commercial development globally, the emerging federal and state policy landscape, and permitting pathways and next steps needed to bring geologic hydrogen to scale. Prior to the AGH, Dr. Miller spent 15 years at the U.S. Department of Energy as Chief Scientist, running the Hydrogen Shot and Hydrogen at Scale programs and leading development of the national hydrogen strategy roadmap. He retired from DOE on January 1, 2026, and now leads AGH, building a cross-sector community of researchers, developers, and policymakers. His keynote will include a look at what early-mover states like Michigan — which issued the first U.S. state-level executive directive on geologic hydrogen in January 2026 — are doing that California can learn from. 

Following the keynote, a panel of commercial developers, technology innovators, and scientists will offer on-the-ground perspectives. Panelists include Paul Sandhu, CEO of ProtonH2, and Dr. Alexei Tcherniak, Founder and CEO of GeoKiln Energy Innovation. ProtonH2 is a clean hydrogen producer based in Calgary, Alberta, that is actively transforming oil assets into valuable hydrogen solutions while prioritizing environmental stewardship and stringent safety standards. GeoKiln Energy Innovation is a technology startup that is advancing natural hydrogen production through thermal stimulation of iron-rich rock. The panel will also include representatives from Stanford University and the AGH Science Advisory Board, who will provide insights into the opportunities and challenges for GeoH2 in California. 

Speakers: 

  • Dr. Eric Miller, Executive Director, Association of Geological Hydrogen (AGH); former Chief Scientist, U.S. DOE Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Technologies Office

  • Katie O'Shea, MsC, VP Market Development, GeoKiln Energy Innovation

  • Dr. Allegra Scheirer, Managing Director, Stanford Center for Geologic Hydrogen Industrial Affiliates Program

  • Paul Sandhu, Chief Executive Officer, ProtonH2

  • Janice Lin, Founder, President, and Interim Executive Director, GHC (Moderator)

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