“The economics of our geology is undeniable and presents us with an enormous opportunity.” Minister for Resources

A new report from Geoscience Australia, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of New South Wales, has found elevated levels of natural hydrogen and helium in locations throughout New South Wales.

This research is an example of the benefits from the Australian Government’s $3.4 billion investment over 35 years into the Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative, under its Future Made in Australia plan. 

The report provides Australian explorers with geological information and a comprehensive methodology for testing soil gas samples for natural hydrogen, bringing scientific rigour to this emerging field. 

Sites near the township of Tumut and the regional centres of Broken Hill, Menindee and Wentworth were surveyed, with sites near Tumut showing the most promise for hydrogen exploration.

Three of the 19 sites tested in Western NSW - Anabranch North, Hawsons and Menindee – detected hydrogen in the soil gas, according to the report.

Australia is considered one of the most prospective locations for natural hydrogen because of our ancient geology. 

“The economics of our geology is undeniable and presents us with an enormous opportunity,” Minister for Resources, Madeleine King MP said.

“This new data grows the wealth of knowledge about NSW’s geological potential, as well as our understanding of natural hydrogen and helium,” Acting NSW Minister for Natural Resources, the John Graham MLC said.

“Natural hydrogen has potential as a new energy source and can support the economy’s shift to a net-zero future. 

Hydrogen, which produces only water and oxygen when burnt, has been touted as an alternative to fossil fuels, such as oil.

But manufacturing hydrogen – which is produced by the electrolysis of water – requires a large amount of power.

Naturally occurring hydrogen does not need to be manufactured, and the federal and NSW governments say they are confident it can be extracted from the ground like natural gas.

Read the full report