Houston startup launches groundbreaking mineral hydrogen pilot
Houston-based climate tech company Vema Hydrogen has completed drilling its first two pilot wells in Quebec for its Engineered Mineral Hydrogen (EMH) project — the first field deployment of this kind of technology. EMH produces low-cost, high-purity hydrogen from underground rock formations and could support industries such as e-fuels, clean transportation, shipping, and aviation. The pilot will gather core samples and analyze subsurface conditions to evaluate hydrogen production and fluid movement. According to CEO Pierre Levin, early samples are promising and align with expectations for strong hydrogen yields. The data collected will help validate the technology at a commercial scale and guide future commercialization plans. Local officials say the project reflects a shift from traditional mining to clean energy innovation, potentially helping revitalize mining regions while supporting sustainable economic growth. Beyond Canada, Vema has signed a 10-year agreement with Verne Power to supply clean hydrogen to California data centers. It has also been named a Qualified Supplier by The First Public Hydrogen Authority, enabling it to provide hydrogen to municipalities and transit agencies across California. Founded in 2024, Vema aims to produce hydrogen for under $1 per kilogram and scale up to gigawatt-level production across North America.