TechCrunch Startup News Eclipse Energy’s microbes can turn idle oil wells into hydrogen factories; plus, India’s Spinny lines up funding to acquire GoMechanic
Dec 15, 2025
A biotech startup is revolutionizing the energy sector by converting abandoned oil wells into hydrogen factories using specially selected microbes. These microbes break down oil underground, releasing hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, a trending funding round positions Spinny to acquire GoMechanic for $50 million, aiming to enhance its service offerings in the rapidly growing Indian used-car market. This strategic move could streamline operations and expand Spinny's market reach significantly.
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Microbes Turn Idle Wells Into Hydrogen Sources
- Eclipse uses microbes to convert trapped oil in idle wells into hydrogen and CO2 underground.
- Hydrogen and some CO2 then flow to the surface for separation, enabling easier gas extraction.
Field Demo And Microbe Hunting
- Eclipse, spun out of Semvita, demonstrated the tech in California's San Joaquin Basin last summer.
- The company sampled native well microbes over years to find strains that thrive at oil-water interfaces.
Use Oilfield Partners To Scale Fast
- Partner with established oilfield operators to scale deployment and handle operations.
- Eclipse teamed with Weatherford to act as its operational arm for global rollouts starting in January.