Vema Hydrogen has drilled its first two pilot wells in Quebec, launching what it describes as the world’s first field test of Engineered Mineral Hydrogen, a method designed to produce hydrogen directly from subsurface rock formations.
The pilot marks a transition from laboratory research to in situ validation. Unlike conventional green hydrogen projects that depend on electrolyzers and renewable power availability, Vema’s approach targets geological formations capable of generating hydrogen through engineered reactions underground. The company’s objective is to assess whether these formations can support continuous, baseload hydrogen production at scale, a critical requirement for industries that cannot tolerate supply volatility.
According to Vema, the Quebec wells will be used to study fluid movement and monitor hydrogen generation during controlled testing. The data collected will feed into commercial models intended to determine whether production can reach industrially relevant volumes. While the company has referenced gigawatt-scale potential, the pilot phase is explicitly focused on proof of concept rather than output, reflecting the early stage of the technology and the uncertainty surrounding recoverable hydrogen yields.
The choice of Quebec is closely tied to geology rather than policy alone. Vema argues that the region’s rock formations offer favorable conditions for engineered hydrogen generation, particularly in areas shaped by historic mining activity. Local economic development officials have framed the project as part of a broader effort to repurpose mining legacies into low-carbon assets, though this narrative remains contingent on whether subsurface testing confirms commercially viable hydrogen flows.
Canada’s interest in alternative hydrogen sources is shaped by structural constraints in its power system. While provinces such as Quebec have abundant hydroelectric capacity, grid expansion and new generation face long permitting timelines. At the same time, industrial growth and digital infrastructure are increasing demand for reliable, non-emitting energy carriers. Mineral-based hydrogen, if technically and economically viable, could complement existing clean power by supplying energy-dense fuel without competing for electricity.
Vema’s recent commercial moves suggest the company is positioning the technology for markets where firm supply commands a premium. A 10-year hydrogen purchase and sale agreement with Verne Power targets data centers in California, a region where grid congestion and reliability concerns are already influencing energy procurement strategies. Recognition as a qualified supplier by the First Public Hydrogen Authority further aligns Vema with emerging public hydrogen demand, though these agreements ultimately depend on the company’s ability to scale production beyond pilot testing.
From a technical standpoint, the central challenge lies in demonstrating repeatable hydrogen generation rates and managing subsurface reactions over time. Engineered mineral hydrogen differs from naturally occurring hydrogen extraction by actively inducing reactions, which introduces questions around controllability, longevity, and environmental monitoring. The Quebec pilot is intended to address these uncertainties by documenting real-world behavior rather than extrapolating from core samples alone.
