OUR PROJECTS

Our Exploration follows 2 approaches :

A "NEAR SURFACE"
EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION

We aim to valorize natural helium leaks at surface related to fault zones or natural springs. This low risk and innovative approach therefore does not require to drill deep in the subsurface.
After having studied more than 500 natural springs, 45-8 Energy confirmed that France, but actually the entire Europe, holds multiple geologically areas prone for the existence of such contexts and has retained a promising pilot, the Fonts-Bouillants project, aiming to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of this concept.

Our target: the official award of our exploration license early 2021 and a first production by 2023.

A "DEEP"
EXPLORATION & PRODUCTION

This is a more classical approach which consists in exploring, discovering and producing helium accumulations deeper in the subsurface, ranging from several hundred to even a thousand meters deep. Drilling a well is then necessary, requiring multidisciplinary studies prior to select a geological target offering a high probability of success.
The first measurements carried out in an area of interest in France have already shown great promise, with active helium seeps identified at surface.
And after ? An application for another exploration license is under preparation in a high potential area in France. Such project, if license is awarded, is currently considering the realization of one or more exploratory boreholes from 2023.

Our target : international expansion through additional exploration license captured in high potential areas.

AN EXPLORATION supported by R&D projects :

2020-2021

R&D GEOPHYSICS

Objectives : better characterize helium fields through multiple geophysical and geochemical methods. This program will directly support the 3D geological model of the Fonts-Bouillant exploration area.

Partnership :
BRGM
2020-2023

PROMET-Hé

Objective : develop an improved surface gas separation technique using membranes, which is more efficient and more environmentally friendly than the solutions currently on the market.

Partnership :
LRGP
2019-2022

Hy-o-T

Objective : develop a robust and compact sensor able to measure natural hydrogen fluxes in the near surface and to transmit the data in real time.

Partnership :
Institut Lafayette, GeoRessources,
Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Solexperts
2020-2021

HY-BE

Objective : characterize a geological context favorable to the production and diffusion of natural hydrogen at surface. This research project, carried out in a selected area of interest in France, is supported by two proprietary gas sensor technologies.

Partnership :
Engie, CVA Group
2020-2021

HELIUM LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS

Objective : Compare the life cycle and carbon impact of a European helium, produced locally, with the conventional helium, entirely imported from the United States, Qatar or Algeria in liquid form.

Partnership :
Mines d'Alès
2019-2023

IMPACT DEEPSURF

Objective : extend "Hy-o-T" project and increase the range of gases that sensor can measure to adapt it to other uses.

Partnership :
Institut Lafayette, GeoRessources, Solexperts
2020-2023

GEFISS

Objective : consolidate the knowledge regarding the governance of subsurface engineering projects..

Partnership :
7 research institutes, 4 industrial companies, 4 universities,
2 EPIC, 2 consulting companies, 1 EPST
2018-2019 (Completed)

H-EDGE

Objective : integration of complementary and multi-scale technologies (from satellite imagery to rock sample analysis in the laboratory) to develop an exploratory methodology specific to helium and hydrogen.

Partnership :
INGEN, InfoGeo, GeoEspace, Total