HyTerra Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ARA Natural Resources to explore geologic hydrogen in the Sultanate of Oman.
The 18-month exclusive collaboration will see the Australian explorer pair its specialised technical knowledge with the local operational muscle of ARA, a subsidiary of leading Omani E&P operator ARA Petroleum.
Together, the partners aim to identify and commercialise gold hydrogen, which is natural hydrogen generated deep underground.
Oman is home to the Semail Ophiolite, a massive geological formation of ultramafic mantle rocks.
Scientific literature widely regards this region as a global hotspot for hydrogen generation through a process known as serpentinisation, where rocks react with water to release the gas.
Hydrogen has already been observed visibly bubbling from surface springs across the ophiolite complex.
ARA and HyTerra’s collaboration aims to move beyond surface observation to evaluate the subsurface system and define what it will take to bring that hydrogen potential to commercial reality.
HyTerra CEO Riley Kemp said the partnership represents a compelling value proposition for the company’s global growth strategy.
“Oman hosts exceptional subsurface geology conducive to geologic hydrogen generation,” Kemp said.
“We believe it represents one of the most compelling geological settings globally, and one where disciplined early evaluation can create real value.
“Partnering with a proven and respected Omani company like ARA provides the in-country operating capability and experience required to assess that potential rigorously.”
The joint venture will move beyond surface observations to evaluate subsurface systems, applying HyTerra’s proprietary ‘Must Haves’ rulebook, a methodical screening process used to rank the commercial viability of hydrogen deposits.
The team will also engage with Omani governmental stakeholders to map out regulatory and permitting pathways.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for assessment, with the intention that definitive agreements may be entered into should suitable opportunities be identified.
ARA COO Ola Fjeld said: “ARA has built deep technical and operational capability across Oman’s upstream sector, and we see geologic hydrogen as a natural extension of that expertise into an emerging and strategically important energy source.
“We look forward to combining our in-country knowledge and relationships with HyTerra’s exploration capability to evaluate what we believe could be a significant opportunity for Oman.”
