H2Au Spuds Its First Natural Hydrogen and Helium Wildcat Well in Kansas
KANSAS, USA (10 August 2026) – H2Au, a privately owned natural hydrogen explorer (the "Company"), announced today that it has spudded its first operated well in Chase County, Kansas, marking the start of the drilling programme under its joint venture with 45-8 ENERGY (the "JV").
The spudding initiates the JV's first-well exploration programme on the Pre-Cambrian Nemaha high in Eastern Kansas. The drilling programme will test previously undrilled structural closures within the Pre-Cambrian basement and provide the first direct subsurface data on the hydrogen and helium potential of the target closures.
Programme objectives
The programme is designed to test H2Au's prospect models directly and to acquire valuable subsurface data, including mud gas sampling, geochemical gas and fluid samples, formation rock cuttings and core, wireline logging and fracture permeability. These data will inform the JV's evaluation of hydrogen and helium potential and the ranking of further prospects under H2Au's "Source to Trap" strategy.
Next steps
The drilling programme is planned for completion during 3Q26, with follow-up flow testing in 4Q26, subject to results. The Company will provide updates as data is acquired and results interpreted.
Owain Jackson, CEO of H2Au, said: "The spudding of our first operated well highlights the successful growth journey of H2Au from initial R&D, to lease acquisition and permitting, to operating our first drilling site in just two years. Wildcat wells that test previously untested prospects are how the natural hydrogen sector will evolve, and this programme is designed to generate the proprietary subsurface data that will continue to give H2Au a leading edge in this growing sector. I would like to thank our joint venture partner, contractors and the wider team, whose planning and preparation have put the JV in a strong position for the next phase."
Since signing drilling contracts, receiving permits and mobilising well services providers, the JV has moved from planning to execution. The Company thanks Murfin Drilling, its service providers and the local community for their support, and remains committed to safe operations and environmental stewardship.
Media contact: info@h2au.co
About H2Au
Founded in 2022, H2Au is a privately owned, UK-headquartered natural hydrogen exploration company. Combining proven exploration techniques with proprietary play-based geological models, H2Au identifies, leases and develops natural hydrogen resources with the goal of commercialising them as a low-cost, low-carbon energy source.
The Company holds an extensive portfolio of exclusive exploration licences across the United States and South Africa, and is currently drilling its first well in Kansas as part of a joint venture with 45-8 ENERGY.
About 45-8 ENERGY
45-8 ENERGY, an Ad Terra company, is a pioneering player in the short-cycle supply chain of strategic industrial gases, including helium and natural hydrogen, producing these critical resources as close as possible to consumption areas to reduce imports and carbon footprint.
Active across the entire helium value chain, from exploration and production to distribution and recycling, the company also developed RECYCL’He©, the first helium recovery and recycling service in Europe. In natural hydrogen, 45-8 ENERGY combines geoscience expertise with operational innovation to advance the understanding and future production of this low-carbon resource.
Present in France, Germany, the Western Balkans, and the United States, 45-8 ENERGY launched the first helium production in France and Western Europe (Nièvre) in 2024, with additional projects underway across these strategic resources.
Forward-looking statements
This press release includes predictions, estimates and other information which may be considered forward-looking. While these statements represent the Companies’ best judgement and knowledge at the time of writing, actual results may differ materially. The Companies undertake no responsibility or obligation to update forward-looking statements.