FAYETTE PROJECT
DISCOVERING NATURAL HYDROGEN GENERATION IN IOWA!
01
The Fayette project
In 2022, H2Au approached 45-8 ENERGY for a partnership aimed at combining our expertise to better understand the origins of such hydrogen shows in the US subsurface, and the discovery potential of commercial accumulations in the area. Following a detailed joint study of the hydrogen system in Iowa and its promising results, we decided to focus our efforts on this strategic area by launching the Fayette project.
With the aim of deepening our understanding of the local hydrogen system while confirming its production potential in Iowa, we initiated the securisation of acres in collaboration with local landowners.
Unlike Europe, where the subsurface is owned by the state, exploration rights in the USA are held by landowners. As a result, our project is based on fixed-term lease agreements, drawn up directly with the landowners.
2727 acres are already secured over an initial 5-year period from the owners of the parcels in our area of interest, so as to progressively carry out the data acquisitions required to validate our exploratory hypotheses.
Exploration area size
2727 acres
Exploration area size
2
Counties
5 years
Initial period of exploration
02
45-8 ENERGY et H2Au : a US alliance
In 2022, 45-8 ENERGY and H2Au decided to combine their unique and complementary skillset in a Joint Strategic Alliance created specifically to accelerate understanding of the hydrogen geological system through exploration projects outside Europe. The Humboldt project is one of the results of this collaboration.
H2Au is the project operator. The company is coordinating all the activities to be carried out on the exploration license and will carry out the studies and works.
45-8 ENERGY is a partner in the project. It is contributing its technical expertise to the studies and work that will be carried out.
45-8 ENERGY and H2Au are also collaborating on a second natural hydrogen exploration project in the United States.
03
The project goals
Deepen our understanding of the origins of natural hydrogen generation in the subsurface.
Precise characterization of the area’s geology and the zones most conducive to hydrogen accumulation.
Quantify the volumes of hydrogen that could be accumulated in the subsurface, and assess the technical and economic viability of potential production, with the utmost respect for the environment and local residents.
04
The exploration area
The Fayette project covers 2727 acres spread over 2 Iowa counties:
- Fayette
- Black Hawk
05
The geological context
The Fayette project is focused on a promising new zone for the generation and accumulation of natural hydrogen in the subsurface.
The zone consists of olivine-rich rocks such as troctolites and peridotites, which are considered to be a highly promising source of natural hydrogen, thanks to the serpentinization mechanism. This natural process involves the transformation of iron-rich rocks, which react with water seeping through faults to release natural hydrogen molecules.
The project is a first step towards understanding the area’s geological system and establishing its true potential.
07
The project key steps
Forecast dates.
