Ammar Alali

Eden has signed an agreement with the Oman Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) to develop the first international concession for stimulated GeoH2 production in Oman’s Samail Ophiolite. This project will focus on mapping peridotite heterogeneity and assessing GeoH2 resource potential. Key objectives include identifying an optimal location for the concession based on stimulated hydrogen production potential and utilizing Eden’s Electrical Reservoir Stimulation (ERS) technology to experimentally demonstrate over a 10^5× increase in H2 production rates compared to base rates. The project will use techno-economic analysis and reservoir models to validate that field-scale H2 production can achieve costs of less than $1/kg at the wellhead. The Samail Ophiolite, as one of the largest Fe(II)-bearing rock formations accessible at the surface, provides a unique advantage due to low operational costs and fewer regulatory barriers, allowing for expedited project progression. The primary challenge in GeoH2 production is the inherently low reaction rates and limited reaction surface area required for mineralogical transformations. Eden’s ERS technology addresses these challenges by providing mechanical and thermal stimulation to increase rock reaction surface area and formation temperatures. ERS can enhance H2 reaction rates by over five orders of magnitude above base rates through controlled high-power electrical treatment. The project will be executed in several phases. Initially, a comprehensive desktop study will evaluate existing geological and hydrogeological data, incorporating magnetotelluric surveys to map subsurface conductivity structures, followed by field mapping and sample collection. Next, geologic surveying and coring will be conducted to gather detailed subsurface data, involving drilling operations to obtain rock core samples up to 1000 meters deep. These samples will be analyzed for their petrophysical characteristics, mineralogy, and hydrogen generation potential. Concurrent hydrogeologic assessments will measure groundwater chemistry and dissolved gas composition to establish baseline conditions and identify suitable sites for water injection and hydrogen recovery. In the subsequent phase, ERS technology will be piloted within selected wells to experimentally demonstrate increased hydrogen production rates and to optimize stimulation parameters. This phase will involve drilling a total of three wells, each 1 km deep, including one monitoring well, and will integrate electrical resistivity surveys to enhance the understanding of subsurface properties. The ERS technology works by applying high-voltage electrical pulses to the subsurface, creating micro-fractures in the rock and increasing the surface area available for water-rock reactions. This stimulation not only enhances permeability but also raises the formation temperature, accelerating the hydrogen production process. Laboratory experiments have shown that ERS can sustain these enhanced conditions over extended periods, making it a promising technique for continuous hydrogen generation. Environmental assessments will ensure sustainability and adherence to regulatory standards, evaluating potential impacts on air and water quality, biodiversity, and local communities. The successful demonstration of the ERS technology at this site aims to validate the method and demonstrate that stimulated GeoH2 production can be a viable and cost-effective source of hydrogen. The establishment of this demonstration site in Oman’s Samail Ophiolite represents a pioneering effort in GeoH2 research, with significant scientific and environmental implications, potentially positioning Oman at the forefront of the global hydrogen economy.