Hydrogen and helium-focused subsidiary of Buru Energy Ltd (ASX:BRU, OTC:BRNGF), 2H Resources, is making strong progress to realise the potential of these natural resources, aided by Buru’s geological and technological expertise.
Leveraging expertise
Leveraging Buru’s experience in onshore exploration, the company has been progressing low-cost exploration across a 65,000-square-kilometre portfolio covering 16 application areas across Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania.
This extensive portfolio, strategically located in areas historically associated with helium and hydrogen occurrences, puts 2H Resources at the forefront of Australia’s burgeoning hydrogen and helium sector.
The company’s exploration programs are specifically designed to address the early-stage nature of the hydrogen and helium industry, with tailored workflows aimed at accurate resource assessment.
2H is pursuing a comprehensive approach to natural hydrogen and helium exploration by integrating data from diverse geological sources.
The company has been delving into Australia’s deep geological structures, focusing on specific mechanisms that foster hydrogen and helium generation and migration, such as serpentinisation, radiolysis and seismic activity.
Targeted regions have revealed characteristics linked to hydrogen and helium generation, such as uranium- and thorium-rich granitic formations and seismic clusters that signal fluid migration potential.
To advance its exploration capabilities, 2H Resources has adapted conventional oil and gas technologies for hydrogen sampling and seismic surveying.
Environmentally responsible exploration
Collaborations with organisations such as CSIRO have allowed for innovative adaptations, like low-impact seismic acquisition with weight-drop technology and the deployment of portable gas sampling equipment.
These tools enable the company to undertake environmentally responsible exploration while obtaining detailed subsurface data to pinpoint and assess prospective hydrogen and helium reservoirs.
Buru CEO Thomas Nador said: “2H Resources is leveraging at low-cost Buru’s extensive geological and operational expertise for the emerging field of natural hydrogen and helium exploration.
“With a robust portfolio of prospective areas in Australia, increased regulatory support for Australian H/He exploration, and 2H Resources’ leading technical capabilities, the company continues to progress its commercialisation options for 2H Resources to ensure Buru shareholders benefit from this new energy business which continues to attract global attention and investment."
Nascent industry
In the nascent natural hydrogen industry, where analogues are limited, 2H Resources is prioritising information sharing to better understand exploration methodologies.
This includes analysing international case studies, such as the Pyrenean hydrogen play in France, and adapting successful approaches to Australian geology.
Data from these analogues has enabled 2H Resources to construct geological models that refine target selection, assess reservoir structures, and pinpoint potential hydrogen-rich formations.
Looking to 2025, 2H Resources plans to launch on-ground field activities to gather further data and assess commercialisation potential across its permit areas.
Key initial steps include securing social licences for exploration, engaging with Traditional Owner groups, and aligning with regulatory frameworks that support Australia’s hydrogen sector.
Building trust and ensuring local stakeholder support remain foundational as the company prepares for exploration.
As Buru focuses on its primary Rafael gas and condensate project in Western Australia’s Kimberley, its subsidiary’s hydrogen and helium endeavours help Buru realise its commitment to contributing to Australia’s net-zero ambitions while exploring innovative energy solutions.