VEMA Hydrogen

The first field tests of Engineered Mineral Hydrogen (EMH) conducted using two wells drilled deep beneath Quebec's ophiolites and banded iron formations.

An early‑stage exploration drilling project by Vema Hydrogen to test for the presence and characteristics of naturally occurring hydrogen in the subsurface of Quebec.

A pioneering method for green hydrogen production that utilizes iron-rich subsurface rocks as hydrogen generators. It involves targeted injections of water, catalysts, heat, and pressure to accelerate the natural process of hydrogen formation within the rock.

Geologic or natural hydrogen refers to molecular hydrogen that is generated and stored in the Earth’s crust through natural geological processes, rather than being manufactured in industrial plants.[2][9] It may accumulate in reservoirs similarly to oil and gas, allowing extraction through wells if suitable traps, seals, and migration pathways exist.[2][9] Interest in this resource has grown after discoveries of hydrogen‑rich seeps and wells in places like Mali, France, and Eastern Europe, suggesting that exploitable accumulations may be more common than previously assumed.[2][9]

Exploration drilling for natural hydrogen adapts conventional oil and gas drilling techniques to target hydrogen‑bearing formations in the subsurface.[2][9] It uses rotary drilling rigs, drilling muds, and well logging tools to access and characterize geological layers where hydrogen might accumulate.[2][12] Because hydrogen is a small, reactive molecule, measurement equipment and safety protocols must account for leak detection, flammability, and potential mixing with other gases such as nitrogen or methane.[2][11]

Quebec

Orléans

An early‑stage exploration drilling project by Vema Hydrogen to test for the presence and characteristics of naturally occurring hydrogen in the subsurface of Quebec.

A collaborative effort between BRGM and VEMA Hydrogen to develop and scale up the production of hydrogen from iron-rich subsurface rocks.

France's national program targeting five priority uses for the subsurface, including native hydrogen research, geothermal energy, mineral resources, CO₂ storage, and urban subsurface infrastructure.

Hydrogen fuel produced through plasma-enhanced thermal catalytic conversion of waste feedstock, achieving 99.9999% purity suitable for Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell vehicles.