The partners will assess whether the project is technically and economically viable. If successful, natural hydrogen could be used locally for power generation or industrial uses in Sharjah.

Decahydron has developed technology that injects CO2 into ultramafic rocks, where it turns into solid carbon. A chemical reaction known as serpentinization permanently locks the CO2 away, while also releasing naturally occurring hydrogen trapped in those rocks.

Alongside local exploration and resource partner SNOC, Decahydron plans to begin drilling in 2026 to measure how much natural hydrogen can actually be extracted in the region and how well it flows.

Meanwhile, Siemens Energy will provide its expertise in hydrogen and power technology to support the study, analysing data and system design.

“The potential discovery of natural hydrogen could mark a new chapter in Sharjah’s energy landscape – providing an abundant, naturally occurring source of clean energy,” explained Khamis Al Mazrouei, SNOC CEO.

“If proven viable, it would not only strengthen Sharjah’s role in the national energy transition but also reaffirm SNOC’s commitment to driving sustainable, secure, and resilient energy solutions for generations to come.”

Decahydron CEO, Arnaud Lager, said initial findings note that Sharjah and the northern Emirates hold “exceptional potential” for natural hydrogen.

The Irish start-up was recently backed by US oilfield services company Weatherford, as part of Decahydron’s first funding round. The investment is expected to help the firm move from early discovery to large-scale exploration and extraction.

While natural hydrogen has attracted growing attention in recent months, experts caution that its commercial viability remains unproven.

Much of the hydrogen trapped in the Earth’s crust may lie too deep, too dispersed, or too costly to extract. Major hydrogen producers such as Air Products have also expressed scepticism, viewing natural hydrogen as a still-speculative prospect.