Ramsay 1 and Ramsay 2, learnings from the first natural hydrogen exploration wells in Australia

Abstract

In October and November 2023, Gold Hydrogen, an ASX listed natural hydrogen explorer, drilled Ramsay 1 and Ramsay 2, the first natural hydrogen exploration wells in Australia. Twinning an historic well, the Ramsay Oil Bore 1 well in PEL687 in South Australia, the objective of the Ramsay 1 and Ramsay 2 wells was to find movable naturally generated hydrogen in the subsurface and establish the presence of a commercially attractive natural hydrogen resource base. This paper highlights some of the learnings from the process of designing and executing these natural hydrogen exploration wells and how the initial hurdles of demonstrating the presence of a hydrogen resource were overcome during the drilling phase. Using modified standard drilling technology and dedicated hydrogen detection tools (calibrated real time mud gas analysis), Gold Hydrogen has shown that exploration for natural hydrogen resources can be done safely and cost effectively. The main learnings included the application of a calibrated hydrogen detection methodology to derive a pseudo hydrogen saturation log and the successful selection of drilling mud and casing compliant with long term hydrogen exposure. As global drilling for natural hydrogen is still in its infancy, these modifications to the exploration well design and execution could have a significant impact on future drilling for this highly attractive carbon free energy source. With a program of seismic data acquisition and follow-up wells planned for 2024, Gold Hydrogen is leading a group of Australian natural hydrogen explorers, who are trying to unlock commercial natural hydrogen resources in the world.