
Primary Hydrogen Stakes Key Projects in British Columbia
December 6, 2024Primary Hydrogen Corp. Expands Portfolio with New Projects
Primary Hydrogen Corp. (TSXV: HDRO), an exploration company specializing in natural hydrogen, has announced the acquisition of three significant hydrogen projects in British Columbia. Through direct staking, the company has added the Crooked Amphibolite, Coquihalla, and Cogburn projects to its portfolio. These acquisitions align with areas demonstrating key geological characteristics favorable for the production of naturally occurring hydrogen (NOH), including ultramafic rock formations and deep-seated fault structures.
Benjamin Asuncion, CEO of Primary Hydrogen Corp., emphasized the significance of these acquisitions. “The addition of three projects in British Columbia further bolsters our portfolio and positions the Company as one of the preeminent hydrogen-focused explorers in Canada. The combination of deep-seated faults coupled with the presence of ultramafic rock formations enhances the likelihood of hydrogen production and accumulation within these projects.”
The Newly Acquired Projects
Crooked Amphibolite H2 Project
Located in the Kamloops Mining Division of British Columbia, this project spans 2,004.52 hectares, covering a complex of high-grade metamorphic rocks. Amphibolites in the area, derived from mafic volcanic rocks, have undergone extensive metamorphosis. The presence of ultramafic intrusions and fault systems creates conditions suitable for serpentinization processes, a key driver of natural hydrogen generation.
Coquihalla H2 Project
Composed of 34 mineral claims over 709.65 hectares in the New Westminster Mining Division, the Coquihalla project includes substantial serpentinized ultramafic rocks. These rocks are crucial to NOH potential, as serpentinization occurs when ultramafic rocks interact with water, producing hydrogen. Major fault systems in the region further enhance the potential for hydrogen migration and accumulation.
Cogburn H2 Project
Also located in the New Westminster Mining Division, the Cogburn project covers 631.80 hectares and features a mix of ultramafic and mafic rocks, including abundant serpentinites. This project is part of the Cache Creek Terrane, a geological setting known for serpentinization. Regional fault systems intersecting the area serve as pathways for hydrogen migration from deeper crustal sources.
Geological Hydrogen Exploration and Industry Growth
Geological hydrogen, or “white hydrogen,” has drawn increasing attention as a clean energy source. Unlike green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable electricity to split water molecules, natural hydrogen can occur in subsurface reservoirs, eliminating the need for external energy input.
Industry Developments
Several recent projects highlight the growing momentum in geological hydrogen exploration:
- France: Large hydrogen seeps have been identified in regions with ultramafic rocks, sparking investments in subsurface exploration.
- Surveying in Australia: New exploration programs aim to assess hydrogen reserves in areas marked by ancient cratons and faults.
- United States: Several companies are investigating hydrogen-rich formations in the Midwest, targeting naturally occurring seeps and deep faults for resource potential.
The industry’s rapid growth has been fueled by technological advancements, government policies supporting clean energy, and the comparative cost-effectiveness of geological hydrogen compared to other methods.
How Natural Hydrogen Extraction Works
The process of extracting natural hydrogen begins with identifying favorable geological settings, such as regions with ultramafic rocks that can undergo serpentinization. This chemical reaction between water and mineral-rich rocks generates hydrogen gas, which can accumulate in subsurface reservoirs.
Once a deposit is identified, exploratory wells are drilled to locate and assess hydrogen concentrations. Extraction works similarly to traditional gas extraction, involving:
- Drilling to access subsurface reservoirs.
- Collection of hydrogen gas, either directly from seeps or through pipelines.
- Processing to separate hydrogen from other gases, if necessary.
Key reasons why geological hydrogen stands out include its relatively low production cost (as it does not require extensive energy inputs like electrolysis), and the possibility of tapping into naturally replenished reservoirs.
The Potential Role of Geological Hydrogen
Natural hydrogen has the potential to play a pivotal role in the global transition toward cleaner energy. Its appeal lies in its sustainability, cost efficiency, and ability to complement other renewable energy solutions. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen combustion produces only water vapor, making it an appealing option for decarbonizing sectors such as transportation, heavy industry, and power generation.
While challenges such as infrastructure development and reservoir mapping remain, advancements in geophysics and drilling technologies are accelerating progress. At present, geological hydrogen offers a promising solution to help bridge the gap between fossil fuels and greener energy sources.
Looking Ahead
The addition of the Crooked Amphibolite, Coquihalla, and Cogburn projects showcases the strides being made in the search for sustainable energy solutions. More broadly, the promise of naturally occurring hydrogen underscores the importance of investing in innovative exploration methods and technologies. While full-scale adoption may take time, the groundwork being laid today makes it clear that geological hydrogen could soon have practical applications across multiple industries. Its ability to integrate with existing energy frameworks offers a feasible path toward achieving global climate goals, starting now.