HyTerra Ltd (ASX:HYT) has updated the market on flow testing operations at its Project Geneva natural hydrogen asset in Nebraska, US.
Since cutting the ribbon on extended flow tests on March 14, the hydrogen stock has officially lowered the water level at its Hoarty NE3 well – the world’s first wildcat well targeting natural hydrogen.
The pumping activity is already paying dividends; HyTerra has reported a material decrease in hydrostatic pressure on prospective zones. However, a mechanical issue has temporarily halted the testing schedule, meaning the pump is currently under inspection.
Well operator and joint development partner Natural Hydrogen Energy has shipped casing gas pressure samples to the lab for analysis and HyTerra is busy looking over the early-stage data.
The energy company expects to provide another operational update once testing recommences later this month.
Early-stage results “enhancing understanding”
Executive director Avon McIntyre said: “The testing activities have already produced key technical insights that are consistent with HyTerra’s geological model and petrophysical interpretations and have enhanced our understanding of natural hydrogen exploration.
“The initial observations are encouraging and we are eagerly working with the operator to resume operations and obtain conclusive testing results.”
Interestingly, HyTerra is the first ASX-listed company with a focus on exploring for and producing natural hydrogen.
Its main priority is growing Project Geneva into a viable natural hydrogen hub, so work at Hoarty NE3 forms part of a multi-month testing campaign to measure the wildcat well’s composition, pressure and flow rates.
HyTerra has the option to claim a 51% stake and assume operatorship at Project Geneva — an important prerequisite for a company that believes natural hydrogen is energy’s new frontier.