Geologic hydrogen.

The Energy Department is putting $20 million toward 16 universities, national labs and startups to spur research into finding and extracting naturally occurring, geologic hydrogen, Forbes reports.

Processes and technologies for producing clean hydrogen are new and expensive, so it's fascinating to consider the potential of naturally occurring sources of clean hydrogen under our feet.

Headshot of Cat Clifford

Cat Clifford

Senior Science and Economics Correspondent