Constellation and CSIRO to Investigate Natural Hydrogen and Helium Resources in Western Australia

Constellation Resources Limited has entered into a significant research agreement with Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), to explore the presence of natural helium and hydrogen in Western Australia. This partnership represents a major step in advancing the understanding of these gases and their potential as valuable resources. Initially, the collaborative effort will center on two of Constellation’s prominent basin-scale projects: Edmund Collier and Yerrida. These projects are strategically located in areas believed to hold promise for natural gas and helium resources, and the initial research will help determine the viability of these regions for further exploration.

CSIRO scientists will play a crucial role in the partnership, utilizing their expertise to assess various datasets that are already available. This data analysis is designed to provide valuable insights into the potential presence of natural helium and hydrogen in the targeted basins. The information gathered through this early phase of research will be instrumental in planning subsequent activities, including detailed soil and gas sampling programs, which Constellation plans to launch in early 2025, contingent upon receiving the necessary land access clearances.

The funding for this research initiative is partly provided through CSIRO’s Kick-Start program. This program is specifically designed to support Australian start-ups by providing financial assistance and access to CSIRO’s extensive research capabilities. The Kick-Start program offers a unique opportunity for emerging companies like Constellation to collaborate with one of the country’s leading scientific organizations, accelerating the pace of research and development in critical areas such as natural gas exploration.

Once the soil and gas sampling efforts are completed, the collected data will be thoroughly analyzed, and CSIRO will develop a detailed prospectivity model. This model will map out areas of high interest for natural gas and helium within each basin, helping to prioritize locations for further exploration and testing. The prospectivity model will be an essential tool in guiding Constellation’s next steps, as it will indicate where the greatest potential for finding natural helium and hydrogen exists.

Natural hydrogen is formed through geological processes that occur deep within the Earth’s crust. Unlike hydrogen that is produced through industrial processes, natural hydrogen is created over time in underground reservoirs where it can accumulate and continue to be produced. This phenomenon has led to growing interest in natural hydrogen as a potential resource for energy production. Identifying natural hydrogen reservoirs could open new possibilities for sustainable energy generation, especially as the world seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources.

The partnership between Constellation and CSIRO marks an exciting opportunity to uncover new resources and further the understanding of natural helium and hydrogen. Should the initial research prove successful, it could pave the way for more extensive exploration of these gases in Western Australia, positioning the region as a potential leader in natural gas and hydrogen production. As the project progresses, it is expected to provide valuable data that will contribute to the broader efforts to harness natural hydrogen and helium for future energy solutions.