HyTerra Boosts Nemaha Drilling After Hydrogen-Helium Signals in Blythe 13-20
HyTerra Limited has successfully completed the Blythe 13-20 well at its Nemaha Project, confirming promising hydrogen and helium presence and expanding its drilling program to three wells.
- Blythe 13-20 well completed on time, on budget, no safety incidents
- Hydrogen and helium detected in mud gas logs, samples sent for independent verification
- Drilling program expanded to include third well, McCoy 1, following positive initial results
- Sue Duroche 3 well showed up to 96% hydrogen and 5% helium concentrations
- Exploration funded by Fortescue Future Industries Technologies Pty Ltd
Successful Completion of Blythe 13-20
HyTerra Limited has announced the completion of its Blythe 13-20 well at the Nemaha Project in Kansas, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of natural hydrogen and helium resources. The well was drilled to a depth of 5,300 feet, nearly two and a half times deeper than the historic Scott-1 well nearby, which had previously reported hydrogen concentrations of up to 56%. Importantly, the drilling was completed on time, within budget, and without any health, safety, or environmental incidents.
The Blythe 13-20 well targeted a new geological play within HyTerra’s 100% owned acreage, and early mud gas logging during drilling indicated the presence of both hydrogen and helium gases. These initial findings are now undergoing independent verification by IsoTech Laboratories Inc., with results eagerly awaited by the market.
Expanding the Drilling Program
Encouraged by the promising data from Blythe 13-20 and the earlier Sue Duroche 3 well, HyTerra has expanded its drilling program to include a third well, McCoy 1. The Sue Duroche 3 well, located 9 kilometers west of McCoy 1, had already been converted into an appraisal well after independent lab results revealed hydrogen concentrations as high as 96% and helium at 5%. This strong evidence of a viable hydrogen-helium play has prompted the company to accelerate its exploration efforts.
The Murfin 116 drilling rig is scheduled to mobilize to the McCoy 1 site following a crew break, with drilling expected to commence by the end of June 2025. Meanwhile, Blythe 13-20 will also be converted into an appraisal well in the coming weeks, reflecting HyTerra’s confidence in the potential of these discoveries.
Strategic Backing and Future Outlook
This exploration campaign is part of a comprehensive 12-month program funded by Fortescue Future Industries Technologies Pty Ltd, underscoring the strategic interest in unlocking natural white hydrogen resources. White hydrogen, generated naturally by the Earth, offers the prospect of lower production costs and reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional hydrogen production methods.
HyTerra’s Nemaha Project, with its extensive acreage and proximity to existing industrial infrastructure, positions the company at the forefront of an emerging frontier in energy. However, the company remains cautious, acknowledging the geological and commercial risks inherent in this nascent sector. Independent verification of gas samples and further appraisal drilling will be critical to confirming the commercial viability of these resources.
As HyTerra advances its drilling program, the market will be watching closely for the next wave of data that could validate the promise of natural hydrogen and helium as key components of a low-carbon energy future.
Bottom Line?
HyTerra’s expanded drilling and promising early results set the stage for a pivotal phase in natural hydrogen exploration.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the independent lab results reveal about the exact hydrogen and helium concentrations in Blythe 13-20?
- How will the addition of McCoy 1 impact the overall resource potential and timeline for the Nemaha Project?
- What are the next steps for commercial development if appraisal wells confirm significant hydrogen-helium reserves?