Eclipse Energy: Microbes Turn Oil Wells into Hydrogen Factories

Addressing the Challenge of Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells

A significant number of oil and gas wells, estimated at up to 3 million, are currently abandoned across the United States. Despite often still containing recoverable oil or natural gas reserves, their owners have determined further extraction is economically unviable.

Eclipse Energy's Innovative Approach

Prab Sekhon, CEO of Eclipse Energy, explained to TechCrunch that considerable oil remains untapped in these wells. “They’ve tried everything,” he stated, emphasizing the persistent presence of resources.

Eclipse Energy doesn't focus on conventional oil recovery methods. Instead, the company has pioneered a unique technique to harness the energy contained within the remaining oil.

Microbial Hydrogen Production

Rather than employing more forceful pumping or injection techniques, Eclipse introduces microbes into the wells. These microorganisms consume the oil molecules, effectively releasing hydrogen.

This process transforms viscous oil into easily manageable hydrogen gas. “Hydrogen flows a lot easier,” Sekhon noted, simplifying the extraction process.

Technology Demonstration and Global Expansion

The Houston-based startup, originating from Cemvita, successfully demonstrated its technology at an oilfield situated in California’s San Joaquin Basin last summer.

Now, Eclipse is collaborating with Weatherford International, a leading oilfield services company, to implement this technology on a global scale. This partnership was exclusively revealed to TechCrunch, with initial projects slated to commence in January.

Strategic Partnership with Weatherford

Sekhon described Weatherford as “an extension of our team,” highlighting their role as the operational arm for deploying the technology.

Years of Research and Development

Formerly known as Gold H2, Eclipse has dedicated several years to developing this innovative solution. The company has been meticulously analyzing microbes naturally found in oil wells.

These microbes thrive at the interface between oil and water within aquifers, and Eclipse is identifying those best suited for breaking down oil.

From Oil to Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide

As the microbes consume the oil, they generate both hydrogen and carbon dioxide as byproducts. Both gases are then brought to the surface.

Eclipse and its partners will subsequently separate these gases. Approximately half of the carbon dioxide is anticipated to remain within the reservoir, while the remaining portion can be captured, sequestered, or utilized.

Cost-Effective, Low-Carbon Hydrogen

Sekhon stated the objective is to produce low-carbon hydrogen at a cost of around 50 cents per kilogram. This price point is comparable to hydrogen produced through traditional methods involving natural gas breakdown, which generates higher carbon dioxide emissions.

Applications of the Produced Hydrogen

The resulting hydrogen can be utilized in various applications, including petrochemical plants and energy generation.

“It’s taking a liability and turning it into a clean energy asset,” Sekhon concluded, underscoring the environmental and economic benefits of this technology.