NHSG Research and Projects

NHSG studies and researches all aspects of the occurrence and exploration for Natural (“Gold” or “White”) Hydrogen in a variety of geological settings, including passive margins, intracratonic settings, convergent margins and ophiolites. NHSG’s current research directions include the development of a series of predictive models for the generation of natural hydrogen, largely through the process of serpentinization.

NHSG’s current research directions include:

Serpentinisation

• Controls/Limitations on the reaction (and therefore volumes of hydrogen generated)
• Water throughput in Protolith
• Water access to Protolith

Greenstones Protoliths

• Occurrence/Distribution
• Composition, ultrabasic rock-types, olivine distribution, metamorphic grade
• Structure

Evaluation of Hydrogen in wells

• Detection of hydrogen in wells drilled for hydrocarbons
• Evaluation of potentially hydrogen-bearing tight and faulted/fractured ‘reservoirs’
• Investigation of availability of wells with log suites in basins with known or potential hydrogen

We are currently working with colleagues from Bridgeporth (Metatek Group) on a study for RAK PA (RAK Petroleum Authority) with the support of RAK Gas in Ras al Khaimah, onshore UAE. The study involves the integration of available data and interpretation of airborne FTG and magnetic data acquired on behalf of RAK PA. NHSG will work with colleagues from RAK PA and Bridgeporth to undertake a feasibility assessment of the Natural Hydrogen potential of the RAK South Area. The technical focus for the feasibility study will be to assess the potential for ‘high-temperature’ serpentinisation of ultramafic rocks contained within the ophiolite sequences as a possible source of natural hydrogen. We have used petroleum system analogues to analyse the hydrogen system, develop play model(s) and evaluate the potential for further hydrogen exploration and exploitation. 

We are collaborating with H2Au Ltd on a number of regional screening studies to evaluate the potential for natural hydrogen and identify target areas for future exploration. Regional studies have been completed in NW Africa, and are ongoing in North America and elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa.

NHSG is made up of experts in the fields of petroleum exploration, minerals exploration, petrophysics, geophysics and metamorphic geology. Building on expertise gained in the minerals and conventional oil & gas sectors, we are investigating how well established, science-led exploration techniques can be applied to play-based screening and evaluation approach to locate natural hydrogen occurrences.

The NHSG team includes:

Steve Lawrence, Founder and Hydrogen Systems Lead

Ian Hutchinson, Principal Structural Geologist, Director

Andy Stocks, Principal Petrophysicist

Andy Barnicoat, Metamorphic Geologist Expert

Richard Heath, Geoscientist, Director

Chris Irons, Principal Geophysicist

Mike Powney, Senior Geoscientist

Roy Wikramaratna, Principal Reservoir Engineer

Richard Bray, Basin Modeller