HyTerra Advances Kansas Hydrogen Program with McCoy Flow Test and Larson Drill Permit Approval

HyTerra has confirmed that production testing at its McCoy-1 well in Kansas will commence during the week of 13 July 2026, representing a major milestone in the company’s effort to evaluate the commercial potential of natural hydrogen and helium within its Nemaha Project. The testing program is designed to independently assess two subsurface zones and measure gas flow rates, gas composition, pressure behaviour, reservoir performance, and hydrogen and helium potential. 

The McCoy test is expected to run for approximately three to four weeks and will generate technical data that HyTerra intends to use for reservoir modelling, future drilling decisions, and appraisal planning. The company views production testing as the next key stage in progressing from exploration toward potential commercial development of geologic hydrogen resources. 

At the same time, HyTerra has completed a detailed subsurface evaluation of its separate Rift Play acreage, identifying the Larson 1-14 well as its highest-ranked exploration drilling target for 2026. The Kansas Corporation Commission has now approved a renewed Permit to Drill for Larson 1-14, while the company continues to finalize regulatory, landowner, legal, insurance, and operational preparations ahead of drilling. 

Larson 1-14 is located approximately 75 kilometres northwest of McCoy and is positioned above the Midcontinent Rift, a large geological feature increasingly attracting attention within the natural hydrogen sector. HyTerra selected the location based on source rock mapping, seismic interpretation, well log analysis, and its proximity to iron-rich rift rocks believed to be prospective for hydrogen and helium generation. The well is designed to test both sedimentary and basement formations as part of the company’s broader Rift Play exploration strategy. 

According to HyTerra, more than 80% of its Kansas lease position overlies the Midcontinent Rift, providing substantial exposure to what management considers one of the most attractive natural hydrogen exploration settings in North America. The company currently intends to spud Larson 1-14 no later than October 2026, subject to funding availability and execution of a drilling contract. 

With both the McCoy production test and Larson drilling program advancing simultaneously, HyTerra is moving into what could become one of the most important operational periods in its Kansas exploration campaign. 

Full press release can be found here.