RE: Just for interest16 Dec 2025 12:53
Has AI got an inside line lol?
Yes, Montana has significant potential for natural "white" hydrogen, discovered primarily by Helix Exploration at its Rudyard Project in the Montana Helium Fairway. This hydrogen forms naturally from water-rock reactions in ultramafic rocks, confirmed by geological analysis showing minerals like serpentine and olivine, and a mantle helium signature, indicating deep Earth connection for sustained generation, positioning it as a key future clean energy source in North America.
Key Findings & Details:
Location: Rudyard Project, Northern Montana.
Process: Natural hydrogen (white hydrogen) is produced underground via serpentinization, where water reacts with mafic/ultramafic rocks (containing olivine, serpentine, magnetite) under heat and pressure, releasing pure hydrogen with zero CO2.
Evidence: Studies found the necessary minerals and a high ³He/⁴He ratio (a mantle fingerprint) in well cuttings, confirming deep Earth processes sustain the resource.
Significance: Rudyard is now considered one of North America's few verified, hydrogen-prone systems, capable of producing low-cost, high-purity clean hydrogen.
Next Steps: Helix Exploration is actively evaluating the resource further, securing rigs to re-enter wells like Inez #1 to assess hydrogen volumes.
Why it Matters:
Clean Energy: It offers a truly clean, renewable source, unlike "grey" hydrogen from fossil fuels.
Economic Potential: Projects like this align with U.S. energy goals (like the Hydrogen Shot) and could create jobs and new energy ecosystems in Montana.