In an exciting development for renewable energy research, the HyAfrica project recently conducted its third high-intensity field work in Morocco, focusing on natural hydrogen sampling. This latest expedition, which took place during the third week of February, saw researchers traversing a 300 km stretch between the towns of Ain Bni Mathar and Bouarfa.
Why this particular area. The region is a goldmine for hydrogen researchers, boasting an unusually high concentration of geomorphic depressions. These unique geological features are often associated with natural hydrogen presence and are accompanied by magnetic and gravimetric anomalies. Such anomalies frequently hint at the possibility of serpentinization – a geochemical process where iron-rich rocks interact with water at great depths, potentially producing hydrogen.
The field work team brought together experts from various organisations within the HyAfrica consortium. Researchers from CONVERGE (Portugal) and the University of Oujda (Morocco) led the expedition, with crucial on-site support provided by ONHYM (Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines, Morocco).
As the dust settles on this successful field campaign, HyAfrica’s focus in Morocco is shifting gears. The team is now setting its sights on stakeholder engagement and the development of strategic action plans. These next steps aim to pave the way for systematic exploration of natural hydrogen, potentially unlocking a new frontier in clean energy resources.
