Japanese power company Jera has invested in Koloma, a US firm exploring natural hydrogen. The amount was not disclosed, but Koloma has raised over 400 million dollars to date. Jera's venture arm wants to better understand geologic hydrogen as a possible low carbon energy source for Japan. Japan has limited renewable energy and high hydrogen production costs, so overseas sources could matter for its 2050 net zero goal. Koloma already has exploration rights in the Philippines, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Osaka Gas have also invested. Natural hydrogen is getting more attention, with over 40 firms studying it, but the interest is driven by decarbonisation and energy security, not a clear technical breakthrough yet.
