Prominence Energy has begun preparatory work for its first geochemical survey in South Australia's PEL 803, aiming to detect natural hydrogen and helium as part of the Gawler Hydrogen Project.
- Preparatory work underway for geochemical survey in PEL 803
- Survey to use soil gas and water bore sampling for hydrogen and helium detection
- Fieldwork expected to start April 2026, lasting approximately two weeks
- Survey aims to identify gas migration pathways and prioritise drilling zones
- Results will guide future seismic activities in the second half of 2026
Preparations Underway for Field Validation
Prominence Energy Limited (ASX – PRM) has taken a significant step forward in its Gawler Hydrogen Project by commencing preparatory work for its first geochemical ground survey within Petroleum Exploration Licence 803 (PEL 803) in South Australia. This move follows promising technical studies completed late last year, which identified multiple potential hydrogen source rocks and reservoir-seal pairs across the licence area.
The preparatory phase involves engaging with landholders, planning survey logistics, and securing necessary regulatory approvals. The company anticipates that the actual field survey will begin in April 2026 and be completed within approximately two weeks, marking a transition from desktop analysis to hands-on exploration.
Innovative Survey Techniques to Detect Natural Gases
The upcoming survey will combine soil gas sampling and water bore sampling to detect natural hydrogen (H₂) and helium (He) gases. Soil gas sampling offers a rapid, low-cost, and minimally invasive method to identify near-surface gas migration, highlighting structural pathways and zones where gases may be seeping to the surface.
Complementing this, water bore sampling will provide insights into subsurface formations by testing existing bores for hydrogen and helium presence. This approach helps identify areas of increased water-rock interaction and supports detailed geochemical modelling, which is crucial for understanding the geology and potential resource distribution within PEL 803.
Strategic Objectives and Future Exploration
The primary goals of the geochemical survey are to detect and map anomalies of natural hydrogen and helium, understand the structural or stratigraphic controls on gas migration, and prioritise zones for subsequent seismic surveys and drilling programs. Building a robust regional geochemical dataset will underpin these efforts, enabling more targeted and efficient exploration activities.
Dr Krista Davies, Chief Operating Officer of Prominence Energy, emphasised the importance of this initial fieldwork – "This initial geochemical program is an important step in systematically screening PEL 803 for natural hydrogen and helium. Soil gas and water bore sampling are cost-effective, low-impact techniques that can provide direct evidence of active gas migration. The results will help refine and prioritise our future seismic activities, which we anticipate to commence in the second half of 2026."
Implications for the Gawler Hydrogen Project
The survey represents a critical milestone in Prominence Energy’s exploration timeline, moving from theoretical models to tangible field data. Success in detecting natural hydrogen and helium could position PEL 803 as a promising site for further development, aligning with broader industry interest in alternative energy sources. However, the commercial viability of these resources remains to be proven through ongoing exploration and analysis.
Investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the survey outcomes and subsequent seismic programs, which will provide clearer indications of the project’s potential and inform future investment decisions.
Bottom Line?
Prominence Energy’s upcoming survey could unlock new insights into natural hydrogen and helium resources, setting the stage for accelerated exploration in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial geochemical anomalies will the survey detect in PEL 803?
- How will the survey results influence the timing and scope of future seismic and drilling activities?
- What regulatory hurdles remain before full-scale field operations can proceed?