Natural hydrogen 'from source to seep' - South Australia's Eyre Peninsula

Challenge:
Despite rapid international growth in natural hydrogen exploration, our understanding of the processes controlling natural hydrogen generation, migration, and accumulation remains limited.

Aim:
To investigate and characterise the geological processes leading to natural hydrogen production within fault systems, integrating petroleum system analysis with mineral system analysis.

Approach:
The project combines field studies, laboratory analysis, and experimental simulations to examine how natural hydrogen forms, migrates, and accumulates in geological settings. A holistic approach will be applied to link hydrogen system elements and evaluate their evolution within the crustal environment.

Expected Outcomes:
Advance understanding of natural hydrogen system elements, improve exploration strategies for hydrogen-rich geological formations, and contribute to positioning natural hydrogen as a viable clean energy resource.

Context:
Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in Australia’s transition to a net-zero emissions energy future. Current hydrogen production occurs via thermochemical and electrochemical pathways, with electrochemical production showing strong potential for decarbonisation. Globally, natural hydrogen exploration has expanded rapidly, with active developments in countries including France, Canada, Spain, Italy, Oman, Colombia, and Iceland. Australia, with over 25 recently awarded exploration permits in South Australia, is well placed to participate in this growing “hydrogen rush.”

Involvement

Project Coordinator:

• Nico Thébaud

PhD candidate:

• Ian Rogers

Additional Information

Participating Partner Research Orgs: CSIRO

Industry Participants: H2EX Ltd