MAX Power Mining Corp. has entered into a strategic alliance with Chapman Hydrogen and Petroleum Engineering to target natural hydrogen discoveries in Canada.
This partnership aims to position MAX Power as a leader in the emerging North American natural hydrogen sector.
The alliance seeks to leverage Chapman’s expertise, particularly the experience of Denis Brière, VP-Engineering at Chapman, who was instrumental in the world’s first natural hydrogen discovery in Mali. This historical context highlights the credibility Chapman brings to the partnership. The Mali discovery, which provided low-cost, emissions-free electricity, serves as a benchmark for the potential success of similar ventures in Canada.
Natural hydrogen, often termed “white hydrogen,” is found in the earth’s subsurface and can be a sustainable energy source if harnessed efficiently. The alliance aims to explore and identify prime natural hydrogen targets across Canada, potentially setting the stage for significant advancements in the hydrogen energy landscape. This move is timely, given the global shift towards decarbonization and the need for cleaner energy sources.
However, the current natural hydrogen sector is still nascent compared to the more developed green and blue hydrogen sectors. The feasibility of large-scale extraction and the economic viability of natural hydrogen remain under-researched. While the Mali discovery is promising, it is essential to consider the geological differences and extraction challenges that may arise in Canada.
The hydrogen sector has seen substantial investments in green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, and blue hydrogen, derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS). These technologies have clear, established pathways and are supported by significant policy and market incentives. In contrast, natural hydrogen exploration is at an exploratory stage, lacking extensive commercial application and regulatory frameworks.
The success of MAX Power and Chapman’s venture will depend on their ability to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of natural hydrogen compared to its counterparts. This includes proving that extraction processes can be scaled up and that the hydrogen produced can be integrated into existing infrastructure.
