HyTerra Ltd (ASX:HYT) is eagerly awaiting the interpretation of data gathered from an airborne gravity and magnetic geophysical survey as it seeks natural hydrogen occurrences at the Nemaha Ridge Project in Kansas, USA.
Xcalibur MPH Canada Ltd was commissioned by HYT Operating LLC, HyTerra’s wholly-owned US subsidiary, to undertake the survey work in an area focused on HYT's 100%-owned Nemaha Ridge leases and the surrounding area.
This operation by Xcalibur, a global leader in its field and which has recently completed projects for natural hydrogen explorers in Australia and USA, was safe and efficient.
Awaiting data
The data acquisition phase has concluded and the processed critical data will be delivered to the company within six weeks ready for interpretation in July.
This interpreted data will assist in refining leads and prospects within the emerging play fairway on the Nemaha Ridge and support an upcoming independent resource assessment.
Subsurface imaging will further calibrate HyTerra’s geological model to mature leads and prospects.
HyTerra says the emerging hydrogen play fairway is supported by numerous natural hydrogen occurrences based on published wellbore gas analysis.
Resource assessment plan
After completing this work, the company plans to engage with advisory firms and consultants to begin an independent resource assessment in the September quarter of 2023.
This survey process comes at a key time for HyTerra and the hydrogen industry as the company closely monitors developments at the US Department of Energy following its release of the Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap.
US hydrogen roadmap
The roadmap is focused on three key strategies:
- Targeting strategic, high-impact uses to ensure utilisation in the highest benefit applications.
- Reducing cost by catalysing innovation and scale and stimulating private sector investments.
- Focusing on regional networks with large-scale production and end-use in close proximity.
Another initiative welcomed by HYT is the consideration of the carbon intensity of the production pathway (well-to-gate emissions) for a range of production tax credits of up to US$3/kilogram for eligible hydrogen sources.