HUMBOLDT PROJECT
KANSAS AT THE HEART OF OUR USA EXPLORATION!
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The Humboldt project
The discovery of high concentrations of hydrogen in several historic hydrocarbon wells in Kansas has positioned the state as a key area for natural hydrogen exploration in the United States.
In 2022, H2Au approached 45-8 ENERGY for a partnership aimed at combining our expertise to better understand the origins of such hydrogen sips in the US subsurface, and the discovery potential of commercial accumulations in the area. Following a detailed joint study of the hydrogen system in Kansas and its promising results, we decided to focus our efforts on this strategic area by launching the Humboldt project.
With the aim of deepening our understanding of the local hydrogen system while confirming its production potential, and that of the associated helium in Kansas, 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.
7154 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
7,154 acres
Exploration area size
5
Counties
5 years
Initial period of exploration
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45-8 ENERGY & 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.
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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 and associated helium 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.
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The exploration area
The Humboldt project covers 7154 acres spread over 5 Kansas counties:
- Marshall
- Nemeha
- Riley
- Morris
- Chase
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The geological context
Project Humboldt focuses on key prospects along the Nemaha Ridge, Kansas – an area which has historically shown high hydrogen and helium shows of over 90% and 3% respectively, and which has recently gained a lot of industry attention.
The alliance’s acreage is made up of significant lease parcels strategically positioned over prospects where the structural control provided by the Humboldt Fault and its relays would be favourable for efficient production of the hydrogen and helium potentially accumulated in the structures. Some of the acreage acquired by the alliance is situated less than 10km from the Sue Duroche-2 well and close to a recently announced site for upcoming drilling operations.
In addition to contributing to our geological knowledge of natural hydrogen, the Humboldt project also aims to meet the ambition of joint production of hydrogen and helium.
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The project key steps
Forecast dates.
