Prominence Energy Launches First Field Geochemical Survey at Gawler Hydrogen Project
Prominence Energy has commenced preparatory work for its first field geochemical program within Petroleum Exploration Licence 803 (PEL 803) at the Gawler Hydrogen Project in South Australia, marking the transition from desktop technical studies to on-the-ground validation. The upcoming survey will focus on detecting direct evidence of natural hydrogen and helium migration through a combination of soil gas sampling and water bore geochemistry, with field operations expected to begin in April and run for approximately two weeks, subject to final planning and approvals.
The program follows technical de-risking work completed in late 2025 that identified multiple hydrogen source rocks and reservoir–seal pairs across the licence area. By moving into systematic geochemical screening, Prominence aims to build a regional dataset capable of mapping gas anomalies, identifying structural or stratigraphic migration pathways, and prioritizing targets for follow-up seismic and drilling campaigns.
Soil gas sampling will provide a rapid, low-impact method for detecting near-surface hydrogen and helium seepage, while water bore sampling will offer formation-scale geochemical insights, including indicators of water–rock interaction and subsurface gas presence. Together, these techniques are designed to deliver cost-effective early-stage validation and refine exploration targeting across the broader licence.
The survey also includes landholder engagement and logistical planning, reflecting a structured approach to stakeholder alignment as field activities scale. Results from the geochemical campaign are expected to inform seismic program design in the second half of 2026, establishing a phased exploration workflow from regional screening to subsurface imaging and eventual drilling.
“This initial geochemical program is an important step in systematically screening PEL 803 for natural hydrogen and helium,” said Dr. Krista Davies, Chief Operating Officer. “Soil gas and water bore sampling are cost-effective, low-impact techniques that can provide direct evidence of active gas migration. The results will help refine and prioritise our future seismic activities.”
By initiating its first field program, Prominence is advancing the Gawler Project into the data acquisition phase, positioning the company to move from conceptual prospectivity toward empirically defined targets within one of Australia’s emerging hydrogen exploration regions.
Full press release can be found here.
