Geological hydrogen and helium are receiving increased attention as researchers investigate their origins, resource potential and possible role in future energy and industrial markets.
The journal Energy Geoscience has announced a special issue titled “Geological Hydrogen and Helium: Geological Processes, Resource Assessment, and Subsurface Storage”, inviting research into how these gases form, move through geological formations and accumulate underground. The submission deadline is 31 May 2027.
Natural hydrogen, sometimes referred to as geological hydrogen, is generated through geological processes and may accumulate in underground formations. Its potential as a naturally occurring energy resource has prompted growing exploration interest, although significant uncertainties remain around identifying viable deposits, estimating recoverable volumes and establishing commercial production.
Helium has a different set of applications, including scientific research, advanced technologies and industrial processes. Understanding how helium is generated, migrates through rock formations and becomes trapped underground is important for improving exploration and resource assessment.
The special issue aims to bring together research covering the full range of geological hydrogen and helium systems, from the processes responsible for their formation to exploration, production and underground storage. Topics include geological and geochemical generation mechanisms, migration pathways, trapping conditions and the factors that influence whether gases can accumulate and remain preserved.
Researchers are also invited to examine exploration techniques and resource assessment methods. These include geochemical and isotopic analysis, geophysical imaging, basin modelling and integrated exploration workflows. Such approaches can help identify prospective geological settings and improve estimates of resource potential, while assessing the uncertainties and risks associated with exploration.
Another area of interest is the relationship between hydrogen, helium and other gases. Understanding where these resources occur together, and how their geological processes interact, could help refine exploration strategies and improve knowledge of subsurface systems.
Thor Energy PLC (LON:THR) is a leading exploration company focused on natural hydrogen and helium, with a significant footprint in the highly prospective South Australian region.
