Sproule ERCE Estimates 1.2 Billion kg Hydrogen and 209 Bcf Helium at Officer Basin
Whitebark Energy has secured independent confirmation of substantial hydrogen and helium prospective resources at its Rickerscote Prospect in South Australia's Officer Basin, highlighting a promising new frontier for clean energy minerals.
- Sproule ERCE estimates 1.2 billion kg hydrogen and 209 Bcf helium (100% basis) at Rickerscote
- Whitebark’s 67% share equates to 851 million kg hydrogen and 140 Bcf helium
- Geological chance of success ranges between 7% and 17%
- Officer Basin confirmed to have all key elements for hydrogen and helium generation and storage
- Whitebark holds option to increase equity to 100% in key permits PEL 253 and PEL 81
Independent Validation of a New Energy Province
Whitebark Energy Limited (ASX, WBE) has announced a significant milestone in its exploration journey with independent expert Sproule ERCE confirming the world-class prospective hydrogen and helium resources at the Rickerscote Prospect, located in the Officer Basin of South Australia. This validation not only underscores the potential scale of these clean energy minerals but also positions the Officer Basin as a potentially transformative region for natural hydrogen and helium production.
Substantial Prospective Resources with Geological Promise
Sproule ERCE’s assessment estimates the Rickerscote Prospect holds prospective resources of approximately 1.2 billion kilograms of hydrogen and 209 billion cubic feet of helium on a 100% basis. Whitebark’s current 67% interest translates to 851 million kilograms of hydrogen and 140 billion cubic feet of helium. The geological chance of success, while modest at 7% to 17%, reflects the early stage of exploration but is bolstered by the presence of proven reservoirs, thick salt seals, and a granitic source rock known to generate free hydrogen over geological time.
Geological Fundamentals and Strategic Positioning
The Officer Basin’s subsalt play exhibits all the critical elements necessary for hydrogen and helium accumulation, seismic-defined structures, radiogenic granitic sources, high-quality sandstone reservoirs, and substantial salt seals. Nearby wells have already encountered hydrogen and helium shows, lending further credibility to the prospect. Whitebark’s acreage includes PEL 253 and PEL 81, where the company holds an option to increase its equity to 100%, potentially consolidating control over this promising area.
Cautious Optimism Amidst Exploration Uncertainties
While the resource estimates are compelling, Whitebark and Sproule ERCE emphasize that these are prospective resources; undiscovered accumulations that carry inherent risks of discovery and development. No well has yet confirmed the gas composition at Rickerscote, and further exploration, including seismic surveys and soil gas sampling, is underway to refine the understanding of the basin’s potential. The company’s recent shift in geological concept, focusing more on hydrogen and helium rather than hydrocarbons, reflects evolving industry insights and global analogues.
Implications for Australia’s Clean Energy Future
If successful, Rickerscote could unlock the Officer Basin as a world-class province for natural hydrogen and helium, minerals increasingly critical for energy transition technologies and advanced manufacturing. Whitebark’s strategic focus on these emerging resources aligns with broader market trends toward cleaner energy sources and positions the company as a potential leader in this nascent sector.
Bottom Line?
Whitebark’s next exploration steps will be pivotal in turning promising prospective resources into a tangible clean energy asset.
Questions in the middle?
- When will drilling commence to confirm the presence and composition of hydrogen and helium at Rickerscote?
- How might Whitebark’s potential increase to 100% equity in PEL 253 and PEL 81 impact project development timelines?
- What commercial pathways and infrastructure considerations are being evaluated for hydrogen and helium production in this remote basin?
