Australian natural hydrogen driller Hyterra has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ARA Natural Resources with the aim of assessing the potential for geologic H2 in the Semail Ophiolite in Oman, an ancient geological formation that covers the Arabian Peninsula.

Under the MoU, Hyterra and ARA Natural Resources — a subsidiary of Oman-based oil and gas firm ARA Petroleum — have pledged to coordinate on technical evaluations and reviews of the area, which is made up of mantle rocks that naturally generate hydrogen through a process known as “serpentinisation”.

The firms also aim to assess regulatory, commercial, and permitting pathways in Oman, as well as engage with governmental and industry stakeholders and evaluate emerging technologies that may help the with exploration, appraisal, production, or commercialisation.

“Oman hosts exceptional subsurface geology, including rock systems conducive to geologic hydrogen generation,” said Hyterra CEO Riley Kemp.

“We believe it represents one of the most compelling geological settings globally, and one where disciplined early evaluation can create real value.”

ARA’s COO Ola Fjeld added: “ARA has built deep technical and operational capability across Oman's upstream sector, and we see geologic hydrogen as a natural extension of that expertise into an emerging and strategically important energy source.”

Hyterra, which in December last year appointed a former executive at mining giant Fortescue as its CEO, has several hydrogen drilling projects underway.

The firm discovered H2 concentrations of 96.1% in mud gas samples collected at the surface of its Sue Duroche-3 well in the US state of Kansas, as well as 83% at an exploratory well in the same state just a few months later.

Source: HydrogenInsight