On October 8, 2025, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region witnessed a milestone moment in China’s energy exploration history—the country’s first scientific exploration well dedicated to natural hydrogen, named “Jin Qing Ke Tan 1,” officially commenced drilling. This marks China’s first scientific drilling project specifically targeting natural hydrogen resources, representing a historic leap from theoretical research to practical verification in this field, which is hailed as a “game-changer for future energy.” The project holds significant strategic importance for ensuring national energy security and achieving the “Dual Carbon” goals.

  Over 40 leaders and experts from relevant organizations, including the Department of Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia, the Energy Bureau, Ordos City, Xilingol League, Xilinhot City, Peking University, China National Petroleum Corporation, and the China Geological Survey, attended the ceremony to witness this historic moment. Academician Jin Zhijun, Director of the Ordos Institute of Energy at Peking University; Guo Yufeng, Deputy Secretary of the Xilingol League Committee and League Governor; and Zhang Xiuling, Vice Mayor of Ordos City, jointly initiated the drilling operation.

  Natural hydrogen, also referred to as “gold hydrogen” or “white hydrogen,” is a naturally occurring hydrogen resource. Characterized as “zero-carbon, green, and low-cost,” it has the potential to reshape the future global energy landscape. Mali in Africa has already achieved commercial development of natural hydrogen, with costs as low as $0.50 per kilogram. The journal Sciencerecognized natural hydrogen as one of the top ten scientific breakthroughs of 2023. However, global exploration for natural hydrogen is still in its early stages, with very few dedicated exploration wells worldwide. Prior to this project, China had no prior activity in this field.

  As a highly promising clean energy source, the exploration and development of natural hydrogen hold immeasurable strategic value for optimizing China’s energy mix, safeguarding national energy security, and supporting the achievement of the “Dual Carbon” goals. In 2024, the Department of Science and Technology of Inner Mongolia and Ordos City took a pioneering step by establishing a key special project under the “Department-City Consultation” mechanism—titled “Enrichment Mechanisms, Distribution Patterns, and Target Evaluation of Natural Hydrogen in Inner Mongolia.” This initiative is the first local-level scientific research project on natural hydrogen in China, providing a valuable “Inner Mongolia solution” to help China gain a leading position in future energy development.

  Against this backdrop, the research team from the Ordos Institute of Energy at Peking University collaborated with Inner Mongolia Gold Hydrogen Geological Exploration Co., Ltd., forming a strong consortium that includes experts from Peking University, China National Petroleum Corporation, and the China Geological Survey. The team has achieved several innovations in basic theory and exploration methods, completed surface surveys in Inner Mongolia, preliminarily established a natural hydrogen accumulation model for igneous rocks in the northern margin of the North China Block, identified several promising target areas in Xilinhot and Ordos, and ultimately selected the drilling site for this scientific exploration project—the “Jin Qing Ke Tan 1” well.

During the well planning phase, the Huabei Oilfield Company of PetroChina provided critical support in regional exploration data evaluation, re-evaluation of existing wells, and target optimization, demonstrating the commitment and capability of a major state-owned enterprise. Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co., Ltd., as the investor in the drilling project, showcased the acute insight of an outstanding private enterprise into cutting-edge science and its strong commitment to the national energy strategy. Throughout the processes of site selection, approval, and preparation, the governments of Xilingol League and Xilinhot City offered comprehensive support, exemplifying remarkable “Inner Mongolia speed” and “Inner Mongolia warmth,” thereby creating an optimal environment for the smooth implementation of this national strategic scientific exploration project.

  The “Jin Qing Ke Tan 1” well is located on the edge of the Jirlangtu Sag in the Erlian Basin, with a designed depth of 800 meters. It will undertake the important tasks of acquiring fundamental geological data and evaluating the natural hydrogen resource potential in the Xilinhot area. The successful implementation of this well will not only fill the gap in China’s dedicated natural hydrogen exploration but also accumulate valuable experience for the future exploration and development of natural hydrogen resources in the country. It is expected to have a profound impact on promoting the diversification of the regional energy economy and facilitating the national energy transition.

  Moving forward, relevant institutions including the Ordos Institute of Energy at Peking University, Inner Mongolia Gold Hydrogen Geological Exploration Co., Ltd., Ningxia Baofeng Energy Group Co., Ltd., Huabei Oilfield Company of PetroChina, and the PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development will continue to deepen their collaboration. They will jointly conduct fundamental research and evaluations, implement key projects, and contribute Chinese expertise and solutions to the global exploration and development of natural hydrogen.