Regular Article

A natural hydrogen seep in Western Australia: Observed characteristics and controls

¹ CSIRO Energy, 26 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington, Western Australia 6151, Australia
² Edith Cowan University School of Engineering, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Western Australia 6027, Australia
³ Currently at INPEX Australia, 100 St Georges Tce, Perth, Western Australia 6000, Australia

^* Corresponding author: krista.davies@csiro.au

Received: 21 May 2024
Accepted: 5 June 2024

Abstract

Natural hydrogen (H₂) is a promising resource for the energy industry’s transition to zero-carbon fuels. However, its extent and feasibility for exploitation remain unclear. A key step towards discovering subsurface dihydrogen accumulations is detecting H₂ seeps. This study presents the first autonomous, multi-gas monitoring of a natural hydrogen seep in Australia, where dihydrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulphide were measured together. The research revealed significant H₂ seepage on the Yilgarn Craton in Western Australia, with seasonal fluctuations: high emissions after dry summers and reduced emissions following rainfall due to increased groundwater levels. Groundwater appears to act as a seasonal inhibitor to H₂ seepage through the near subsurface potentially leading to false negatives in soil gas surveys post-rainfall and in low-lying areas. This work provides fundamental data for natural hydrogen exploration and therefore aids in the implementation of a large-scale hydrogen economy.