Hydrogen Aviation’s Gold Rush Moment: Why Natural (White) Hydrogen Could Be This Century’s Oil Strike
- HYSKY Society
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Control the Hydrogen — Control the Fuel. Control the Fuel — Control the Future.
Right now, a quiet energy revolution is unfolding beneath our feet — one that could change everything for hydrogen aviation.
The energy source? Natural hydrogen.
The scale? Potentially world-changing.
The moment? The earliest days of a new gold rush — and hydrogen aviation should pay close attention.
On April 21, 2025, HYSKY Monthly welcomes the insider you need to hear: Aaron Mattson, Founder of Mafic Consulting Group — the world’s first consulting firm focused exclusively on natural (white) hydrogen.
If you care about the future of hydrogen-powered flight, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.
Striking Oil… But Green.
What if hydrogen aviation didn’t have to buy its fuel from others forever?
What if you could own the source?
That’s exactly what natural hydrogen makes possible.
The US Geological Survey estimates there could be 5 trillion tons of natural hydrogen underground — enough to power the planet for centuries, even if only a tiny fraction is recoverable.
Unlike green hydrogen (from renewables) or blue hydrogen (from fossil fuels with carbon capture), natural hydrogen forms naturally underground through geological processes — no carbon emissions, no energy-intensive production.
It’s like striking oil… but without the oil.
The Gold Rush Has Already Begun.
While much of the world hasn’t noticed yet, smart energy investors absolutely have. The natural hydrogen gold rush is already underway, with several pioneering companies staking their claims.
Leading the charge is Koloma, a U.S.-based startup that has raised an impressive $91 million from powerhouse investors like Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund, and United Airlines' venture capital arm. In Australia, Gold Hydrogen has confirmed high-purity hydrogen finds and is moving aggressively to secure additional drilling rights. Meanwhile, Natural Hydrogen Energy is making waves in the U.S., having already drilled exploratory wells in Nebraska to evaluate the commercial potential of natural hydrogen reserves. Another key player is HyTerra, an Australian company actively exploring sites in Kansas and Nebraska, aiming to supply nearby industrial markets.
Even legacy oil and gas giants like BP and ExxonMobil are beginning to take notice — watching closely, investing quietly, and positioning themselves to potentially dominate the space once commercial viability is proven.
For aviation leaders and investors, the message is clear: the window to get involved early is wide open — but it won't stay that way for long.
Why Hydrogen Aviation Can’t Afford to Sit This Out.
Hydrogen aviation is betting its future on fuel it doesn’t control.
Remember how airlines lost pricing power to oil companies?
This is the same playbook… unless aviation changes the game.
By vertically integrating into the entire hydrogen value chain — even through investment partnerships, exploration rights, or strategic alliances — aviation companies could de-risk their future fuel costs, secure supply, and possibly even profit by selling excess hydrogen to other sectors.
Whoever controls natural hydrogen won’t just control hydrogen aviation.
They will control energy.
Enter Aaron Mattson — The Insider Who Has Expert Insight on Where the Gold Rush is Headed.
Aaron Mattson is not just another consultant.
He’s the industry insider advising multiple early-stage natural hydrogen companies and recently completed the most extensive analysis of the entire sector.
His presentation at HYSKY Monthly will break down:
Where natural hydrogen has been found.
Who’s drilling today.
Why this matters for aviation.
What strategic plays are still possible for early movers.
April 21, 2025 — Be In the Room Where It Happens.
If you’re serious about hydrogen aviation’s future, this is the conversation you cannot miss.
Register free for HYSKY Monthly: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtd-GpqzojGdXo6wK6DVPDD55IQyYJvL1e#/registration
About HYSKY Society
HYSKY Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to decarbonizing aviation and aerospace with hydrogen. We welcome innovators from eVTOLs/advanced air mobility, fixed-wing aircraft, uav/uas/drones, WIG craft, lighter-than-air aircraft, and spacecraft.
Our mission is simple: if it defies gravity and uses hydrogen as fuel, it’s part of our vision for sustainable flight.
For the latest news, insights, and content regarding hydrogen aviation, please join the following HYSKY Society channels: YouTube, X, and LinkedIn.
FAQ — Natural Hydrogen & Aviation’s Future
What is natural hydrogen?
Hydrogen gas that forms naturally underground, without human processing.
How is it different from green or blue hydrogen?
It’s found in nature — not manufactured — making it potentially cheaper and cleaner.
Where does natural hydrogen come from?
It forms when certain rocks underground react with water.
Who is already exploring it?
Companies like Koloma (Bill Gates-backed), Gold Hydrogen, HyTerra, and Natural Hydrogen Energy.
How much is there?
Possibly 5 trillion tons globally — enough to power humanity for centuries.
Can aviation use it?
Yes — if extracted and distributed properly, it’s the same hydrogen that powers fuel cells.
Is it being used today?
Small-scale use in places like Mali since 2012. Large-scale commercial production is coming.
Why should hydrogen aviation care now?
Early movers could secure supply, lower costs, and own part of the future energy landscape.
How can companies get involved?
By learning, networking, investing, or partnering with early exploration firms.
Where do I start?
Attend HYSKY Monthly on April 21, 2025, to learn directly from Aaron Mattson — one of the top insiders in the natural hydrogen sector.
Why has aviation fuel historically been controlled by oil companies?
Because traditional jet fuel is refined from petroleum — a product tightly controlled by oil companies that own the drilling, refining, and distribution infrastructure. Aviation has long been a buyer, not a producer.
Why could investing in hydrogen production change that?
Hydrogen aviation has a rare opportunity to flip the script and control its own fuel supply — reducing dependence on volatile energy markets and protecting itself from future price spikes.
How could owning part of the hydrogen value chain help aviation companies?
It could give them price stability, reliable access to fuel, and even new revenue streams by selling hydrogen to other industries like trucking, shipping, or power generation.
Is aviation fuel usually vertically integrated today?
No — aviation traditionally buys fuel from global oil companies or suppliers. Very few airlines or aircraft companies own any part of the fuel production chain.
Why has fuel been controlled this way in aviation?
Because oil infrastructure was already built and controlled by legacy energy giants long before aviation exploded. Hydrogen is new — meaning there’s a brief window where ownership is still up for grabs.
Why should hydrogen innovators in aviation pay attention to natural hydrogen now?
Because early-stage exploration is happening right now. Aviation companies that wait might find themselves in the same dependent fuel-buying position they’ve always been in — while the smart ones who move early could shape the market.
Is Bill Gates investing in natural hydrogen?
Yes.
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