PRINCETON, N.J. (Diya TV) — An Indian-origin professor at Princeton University has received a major 2025 research award for work that could reshape the future of clean energy in the United States and beyond.
Satish Myneni, a professor of geosciences at Princeton, has earned a 2025 award from the Schmidt Transformative Technology Fund for groundbreaking hydrogen research. The project focuses on accelerating the natural generation of hydrogen gas using mineral-driven chemical reactions. Researchers see this approach as a promising path to produce sustainable, carbon-negative fuel and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Myneni co-leads the project, which explores how certain minerals react with water deep inside the Earth to release hydrogen gas. This process occurs naturally but at a slow pace. The team aims to understand and speed up these reactions in a safe and controlled way.
Scientists believe naturally generated hydrogen could serve as a renewable energy source with a far lower carbon footprint than oil, coal, or natural gas. If scaled effectively, the technology could support efforts to decarbonize the nation’s energy system and meet climate goals.
Hydrogen already plays a key role in industry, including fertilizer production and refining. Most hydrogen today comes from fossil fuels, which creates large carbon emissions. Myneni’s research seeks to change that equation by offering a cleaner alternative.
The project brings together experts from several fields at Princeton. Catherine Peters and Emily Carter join Myneni as key members of the research team. Peters is the George J. Magee Professor of Geological Engineering. She also serves as a professor of civil and environmental engineering and directs Princeton’s Program in Geological Engineering. Her work focuses on subsurface systems, energy resources, and environmental protection.
Emily Carter brings deep expertise in materials science and energy systems. She serves as senior strategic advisor and associate laboratory director for applied materials and sustainability sciences at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Carter also holds appointments as the Gerhard R. Andlinger Professor in Energy and the Environment and as a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, applied and computational mathematics, and energy and environmental studies.
Together, the team blends geoscience, engineering, and materials research to tackle one of clean energy’s toughest challenges.
Researchers say the project holds strong potential to generate new knowledge needed to scale sustainable hydrogen production. Scaling remains one of the biggest barriers to making hydrogen a widely used clean fuel. By studying mineral-driven hydrogen reactions, the team hopes to identify where natural hydrogen forms, how fast it can be produced, and how it can be safely captured. These insights could help guide future exploration and technology development.
Experts believe natural hydrogen could support power generation, heavy industry, and transportation. It could also help stabilize electric grids that rely on wind and solar power.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Transformative Technology Fund supports ambitious projects in science and engineering. The fund focuses on bold ideas rather than small, incremental advances. It aims to back research that leads to disruptive technologies with the power to transform entire fields. Projects often involve new tools, methods, or systems that enable breakthroughs at scale.
By awarding Myneni’s project, the fund signals confidence in hydrogen’s role in the clean energy transition and in Princeton’s ability to lead cutting-edge research.
Myneni’s work highlights the growing role of universities in addressing global energy challenges. As nations push to cut emissions, interest in hydrogen research continues to rise. The Princeton-led project aligns with broader efforts to develop renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gases, and support sustainable economic growth. Researchers say success could help position natural hydrogen as a key pillar of future energy systems.
With support from the Schmidt Transformative Technology Fund, the team plans to deepen its research and move closer to real-world applications. Their work could help shape a cleaner, more resilient energy future powered by science and innovation.
