BRIMIR LICENSE
A high potential of helium in the mecklenburg-Vorpommern
01
The Brimir project
Between the 1960s and 1980s, a large number of exploratory wells were drilled in search of hydrocarbons in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, in north-east Germany. In several areas, these wells have revealed no hydrocarbons, but a gaseous mix rich in nitrogen and helium. These resources were not technically and economically attractive at the time, and were simply not exploited.
With Europe and Germany seeking greater sovereignty, the supply of helium to the area is now of strategic importance, and 45-8 ENERGY is now interested in developing this resource, discovered over 60 years ago.
In September 2023, 45-8 ENERGY applied to the Bergamt Stralsund Mining Authority for an exploration license. In November 2023, 45-8 ENERGY was awarded the exploration license, named Brimir. The license covers an area of 113 km² in north-eastern Germany, including 7 municipalities.
The granting of this exploration license enables 45-8 ENERGY to deepen its geological knowledge of the area and confirm its significant potential. Subsequent validation of our hypotheses will enable us to develop helium in the region.
Pilot production could then be envisaged in response to the quest for territorial sovereignty, helium being a strategic resource required by many German industries. With the Brimir project, the aim is to develop helium resources locally and produce them as close as possible to where they are consumed.
The exploration license has been granted for a period of 5 years to enable 45-8 ENERGY to acquire the data required to validate the helium potential of the Brimir area.
To find out more about the project and follow its progress, visit the BRIMIR project website (available in German and English).
02
The license goals
Deepen ou existing geological knowledge.
Accurately characterize the geology of the area and the areas most suitable for a helium-rich mix gas.
Quantify volumes of helium that are accumulated in the subsurface and assess the technical and economic potential, all with the utmost respect of the environment and local residents.
Exploration area size
113 km²
Exploration area size
13
Municipalities
5 years
Valid period of the license
03
The exploration area
45-8 ENERGY is interested in the north-east of Germany, in particular the Land of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, known for its helium-rich potential, following various acquisitions.
45-8 ENERGY is focusing on an area of 113km², covering 7 municipalities.
- Brünzow
- Katzow
- Kemnitz
- Neu Boltenhagen
- Rubenow
- Wolgast
- Wusterhusen
During the next few years, data will be acquired in these municipalities. All these acquisitions will have a limited and temporary impact on the environment and local residents.
04
The valued gas of the area
Drilling was carried out between the 1960s and 1980s in search of hydrocarbons. Instead of finding hydrocarbons, the results revealed the presence of a fraction of helium in the gas mix of the Brimir zone, associated with nitrogen. At the time, exploration was exclusively dedicated to hydrocarbons; the associated helium was not valorized.
The gas mix in the Brimir zone consists of helium and nitrogen. 45-8 ENERGY aims to develop this critical and strategic resource for eastern Germany, where numerous consumer industries are located.
The Brimir zone is mainly composed of nitrogen, the most abundant element in the earth’s atmosphere (around 78% of its composition).
Due to the abundance of nitrogen in the air, its attractiveness is limited and its economic use unlikely. Its release into the atmosphere poses no risk to humans (inert, odorless, invisible) or the environment (it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect and is already present in high concentrations in the earth’s atmosphere).
05
The work program
06
A strategic and local project
3D Seismic reflection
8 municipalities: Brünzow, Katzow, Kemnitz, Kröslin, Neu Boltenhagen, Rubenow, Wolgast et Wusterhusen.
Seismic acquisitions will be scheduled from january to february 2025.
45-8 ENERGY is working with DMT, a company specialized in seismic acquisitions.
What is the seismic reflection?
Seismic reflection is a non-invasive, non-destructive method of imaging the subsurface, deployed only on the surface. It has no impact on the environment or housing.
It involves a two-stage measurement process:
- deployment of seismic sensors (geophones) ;
- and the transmission of waves into the ground via a plate attached to a truck which vibrates against the ground, or via small explosives deposited at shallow depths.
The echoes of these waves on the various geological layers are then captured and recorded by the geophones. Once analyzed, they provide geologists with information on the structure and nature of the terrain.
07
A strategic and local project
Germany consumes 9.5Mm3 of helium a year, making it the world’s 5th largest consumer. All of this helium is imported from the United States, Qatar, Algeria and Russia. Germany is a major consumer of this resource, particularly for its high-tech industries in the east of the country.
At a time when this resource is becoming critical, increasingly rare and subject to recurring shortages, it is essential to be able to produce the resource as close as possible to European consumption centres in order to ensure a European supply of helium.
45-8 ENERGY’s ambition is to produce helium in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, which would guarantee access to the resource for East German industries in need.
