H2Au and 45-8 ENERGY Enter Final Well Planning Ahead of Kansas Natural Hydrogen and Helium Drilling
H2Au and its joint venture partner, 45-8 ENERGY, have entered the final stages of planning for their first natural hydrogen and helium drilling campaign in Kansas, with two exploration wells scheduled for completion during Q3 2026.
The programme will target two separate mapped structural closures within the Precambrian Nemaha High in eastern Kansas. The wells are designed to collect geological data while evaluating the area's potential for both naturally occurring hydrogen and helium. If drilling results are encouraging, follow-up flow testing is planned for Q4 2026.
The announcement marks a significant operational milestone for the joint venture, which has progressed from regional geological evaluation and leasing into active drilling preparation. According to the companies, this places the partnership among a relatively small group of organisations worldwide that are advancing natural hydrogen projects into the drilling phase.
During June, H2Au's operations team completed well location staking while advancing negotiations with drilling, logging and construction contractors. These activities form part of the final preparations required before field operations commence later this year.
The project combines exposure to two strategically important commodities. Natural hydrogen is being explored as a potential low-carbon energy source, while helium continues to experience strong global demand amid ongoing supply constraints.
Alongside technical preparations, the joint venture says it continues to prioritise safety, environmental stewardship and engagement with local communities as it moves toward drilling.
Full press release is attached:
H2Au, a privately-owned natural hydrogen explorer, and its joint venture partner 45-8 ENERGY (jointly, the “Companies” or “JV”) today announced that they have entered the final stages of well planning for operations in Kansas.
The joint venture intends to drill two wells into the Pre-Cambrian Nemaha high in Eastern Kansas, targeting separate mapped closures to collect data and evaluate the hydrogen and helium resource potential within these significant scale structures. Natural hydrogen offers the prospect of a low-cost, low-carbon energy source, while helium continues to command premium prices amid persistent global supply shortages, giving the programme exposure to two high-value markets from a single drilling campaign. The wells are planned for completion during Q3 2026, with follow-up flow testing in Q4 depending on results.
This progression into the drilling phase reflects the technical and operational maturity of the JV, and marks a significant evolution in the Companies’ journey from geological evaluation and leasing to consistent, on-the-ground execution. As a result, the JV joins a small and growing cohort of around ten companies globally that are actively progressing with drilling in the emerging natural hydrogen sector.
As the Companies advance their planned programme, H2Au and 45-8 ENERGY have maintained a strong commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The joint venture continues to prioritise responsible operations that deliver long-term value for stakeholders while respecting local communities and ecosystems.
In June 2026, H2Au’s Director of Operations Greg Niellez met with key operational contractors and finalized ‘well location staking’. During this visit, the leadership team progressed negotiations and worked towards finalising agreements with drilling, logging, and construction partners, bringing together the critical components required to execute the upcoming well programme. These engagements mark an important step in ensuring operational readiness and alignment ahead of drilling and further announcements will be made as key contracts are secured and operations progress.
Owain Jackson, CEO of H2Au, said:
“Reaching the final stages of well planning is a defining moment for H2Au and the JV at large. It reflects the strength of our technical approach, the dedication of our team, and the support of our partners and investors. We set out at the formation of the company to deliver this programme, and we are doing exactly that – on time and to plan. As we move towards drilling, our focus remains firmly on executing safely, responsibly, and with precision, while continuing to build our understanding of this promising resource.”
Nicolas Pelissier, President & Co-founder of 45-8 ENERGY, said:
“Building on our close collaboration with our partner H2Au, we are delighted that the JV has reached this key milestone in the development of our natural hydrogen and helium exploration and production activities in the United States. Our combined expertise puts our consortium in the best position to drill these two high-potential targets, while also positioning us to conduct comprehensive production tests as per industry standards straight after drilling should we see encouraging results. We are now fully committed to get started with the operations this summer.”
Backed by the support of a major industry partner and, with preparations now well advanced, H2Au and 45-8 ENERGY as a JV are entering a new phase of activity that will underpin the next stage of growth and technical progress. Stakeholders interested in learning more about the developments in Kansas and other exploration areas are encouraged to engage with the Companies directly.
For press inquiries and executive interviews, please contact:
Owain Jackson
CEO, H2Au
Lola Richir
Communication Manager, 45-8 ENERGY
About H2Au
British-based explorer focused on the exploration, development and production of naturally occurring environmentally sustainable gases such as hydrogen and helium.
Since its inception in 2022, H2Au has developed unique geological workflows, models, and tools, leveraging the extensive expertise of its founders from the oil, gas, and mining industries.
H2Au is building a diversified portfolio of exploration assets and strategic partnerships across multiple geographies, including the United States and Africa, with a focus on advancing scalable, responsible energy solutions.
H2Au aims to play a leading role in the emerging natural hydrogen sector.
About 45-8 ENERGY
45-8 ENERGY, an Ad Terra company, is a pioneering player in the short-cycle supply chain of strategic industrial gases, including helium and natural hydrogen, producing these critical resources as close as possible to consumption areas to reduce imports and carbon footprint.
Active across the entire helium value chain, from exploration and production to distribution and recycling, the company also developed RECYCL’He©, the first helium recovery and recycling service in Europe. In natural hydrogen, 45-8 ENERGY combines geoscience expertise with operational innovation to advance the understanding and future production of this low-carbon resource.
Present in France, Germany, Western Balkans, and the United States, 45-8 ENERGY launched the first helium production in France and Western Europe (Nièvre) in 2024, with additional projects underway over these strategic resources.
Forward Looking Statement
This press release includes predictions, estimates and other information which may be considered forward-looking. While these statements represent the Companies’ best judgement and knowledge at the time of writing, actual results may differ materially. The Companies’ undertake no responsibility or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
