Exploring Natural Hydrogen Potential in Western Australia's Blue Billy Formation
Key Ideas
- Initial results from Total Organic Carbon and Thermal Maturity analysis of shale samples at the Edmund-Collier Natural Hydrogen Project in Western Australia have shown promising organic-rich shale units.
- The project, part of a larger Natural Hydrogen Project, spans an extensive area in Western Australia, offering a basin-scale opportunity for exploring natural hydrogen production from overmature shale formations.
- Analysis of core samples has revealed high TOC values in the Blue Billy and Discovery Formations, indicating the potential for thermogenic hydrogen generation.
- With global hydrogen demand projected to increase significantly by 2050, the exploration of natural hydrogen sources like those in the Edmund-Collier Basin becomes increasingly important.
Constellation Resources Ltd has received initial results from Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Thermal Maturity (TM) analysis of shale samples at its Edmund-Collier Natural Hydrogen Project in Western Australia. The project, part of a larger Natural Hydrogen Project spanning 87,602 square kilometers, aims to explore natural hydrogen potential in overmature and organic-rich shale units. Core samples analysis by Core Laboratories Pty Ltd has shown high TOC values in the Blue Billy and Discovery Formations. The company believes this presents a significant opportunity to explore for natural hydrogen, with targets never tested by drilling before. The organic-rich shale units within the basin are likely to have been within the optimum range for thermogenic hydrogen generation. Additional tests by CSIRO are underway to analyze trapped gases and potential sources for hydrogen. The project covers a structurally complex Proterozoic basin system with various hydrogen traps. With global hydrogen demand set to rise, the exploration of these natural hydrogen sources is crucial for future energy needs.