Prominence Energy Ltd Partnership Unlocks Natural Hydrogen Exploration Potential

Prominence Energy Secures CSIRO Partnership to Unlock Natural Hydrogen Potential

Prominence Energy Limited (ASX: PRM) has secured $50,000 in matched funding from CSIRO's prestigious Kick-Start program to advance exploration of natural hydrogen and helium systems across its Gawler Hydrogen Project in South Australia. The partnership with Prominence Energy Ltd represents a significant step forward in the company's strategy to develop what could emerge as a world-class hydrogen exploration hotspot.

The eight-month research program, commencing April 2026, will see Prominence work alongside CSIRO's Energy team to refine exploration workflows and better understand hydrogen and helium occurrences within PEL 803, a 2,799km² licence covering highly prospective Archean cratonic crust.

Strategic Partnership Brings World-Class Expertise

The collaboration with CSIRO provides Prominence with cost-effective access to specialist expertise in geochemistry, petrography, and multi-physics modelling. With a total project cost of $116,252, the company will contribute $66,252 alongside CSIRO's $50,000 funding commitment.

The CSIRO Kick-Start program provides the Company with access to specialist expertise and assessment to help test and refine exploration workflows relevant to natural hydrogen and helium systems. This collaboration will apply innovative techniques to better understand hydrogen and helium occurrence within the Gawler Hydrogen Project, using methods that are directly applicable to early-stage screening across our broader portfolio.

Dr Krista Davies, Chief Operating Officer

Key Program Objectives:

• Targeted sampling and analysis across PEL 803

• Development of practical exploration screening tools

• Assessment of hydrogen and helium occurrences from selected wells

• Refinement of exploration workflows applicable to the broader Gawler region

• Support for future project screening and exploration decisions

Understanding Natural Hydrogen: The Clean Energy Game-Changer

Natural hydrogen, also known as white or geologic hydrogen, represents a revolutionary clean energy source that forms through natural processes within the earth and accumulates underground. Unlike manufactured hydrogen, natural hydrogen can be identified using conventional, low-cost, non-invasive exploration methods.

Formation Process

Natural hydrogen forms through several geological processes. Water molecules break down when they interact with iron-rich rocks in the Earth's crust, releasing hydrogen gas. This process, called serpentinisation, occurs when water meets olivine and pyroxene minerals found in ancient rock formations.

Additionally, radioactive decay of uranium and thorium within granite rocks can generate hydrogen through radiolysis. This natural formation process eliminates the energy-intensive manufacturing requirements of traditional hydrogen production.

Why Natural Hydrogen Matters to Investors

• Zero-carbon fuel: Produces only water vapour when combusted

• Cost-effective exploration: Uses established geological techniques

• Growing market demand: Clean energy transition driving interest

• Supply advantage: Naturally occurring resource eliminates production costs

This emerging sector is attracting significant attention as governments and industries seek clean energy alternatives. Consequently, early movers like Prominence are positioning themselves to capitalise on what could become a multi-billion dollar market.

Gawler Hydrogen Project: Positioned in a World-Class Hotspot

Prominence's Gawler Hydrogen Project spans an impressive 64,000km² across South Australia, consisting of 2 projects covering 8 petroleum exploration licence applications and 1 PEL. The project area encompasses several play types where potential hydrogen and helium source systems have been identified.

PEL 803 Geological Highlights

The presence of Hiltaba radiogenic granites and uranium deposits provides compelling geological evidence for hydrogen and helium generation. Furthermore, significant conductivity anomalies suggest potential pathways for gas migration to exploitable depths.

PEL 803 was awarded in August 2025 and is strategically positioned within the Eyre Project area. The licence covers Archean cratonic crust, which geological studies indicate as highly prospective for natural hydrogen and helium gas accumulation.

Helium: The High-Value Co-Product

Beyond hydrogen, the project targets helium – a non-renewable noble gas with essential applications across multiple high-tech industries. Helium forms through radioactive decay of uranium and thorium within ancient crustal rocks, particularly the Archean granites present throughout PEL 803.

Helium Formation and Characteristics

Helium is produced when uranium-238, uranium-235, and thorium-232 undergo radioactive decay, releasing alpha particles that capture electrons to become helium atoms. This process occurs over geological timeframes within granite formations, where the gas can accumulate in permeable rock structures or migrate through fracture systems.

Helium Market Fundamentals

• High-value resource with limited global supply

• Essential applications: Medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, space technologies

• Supply constraints: Current global market experiencing shortages

• Strategic importance: Critical for advanced technology sectors

The combination of hydrogen and helium potential creates a compelling dual-commodity opportunity. For instance, this provides multiple revenue streams and risk diversification for the partnership with Prominence Energy Ltd.

CSIRO Collaboration Details and Technical Approach

The collaboration with CSIRO's Energy team focuses on advancing technical understanding of natural gas systems within the Gawler Craton. The research program aims to collect and analyse data from selected wells to assess hydrogen and helium occurrences while developing practical exploration screening tools.

Technical Expertise Provided by CSIRO

• Geochemistry: Chemical analysis of gas samples and source rock characterisation

• Petrography: Microscopic rock analysis to understand mineral composition and gas generation potential

• Multi-physics Modelling: Integration of geological, geophysical, and geochemical data for exploration targeting

The program's focus on improving technical understanding aligns with Prominence's strategy of grounding project development in robust scientific data. However, this approach potentially de-risks future exploration decisions through validated methodologies.

Timeline and Next Steps

Immediate Priorities (April-December 2026)

1. April 2026: Program commencement with CSIRO collaboration

2. Q2-Q3 2026: Targeted sampling and analysis across PEL 803

3. Q3-Q4 2026: Data analysis and workflow refinement

4. Q4 2026: Program completion and results integration

Future Exploration Strategy

• Application of refined workflows across broader Gawler portfolio

• Integration of research outcomes into future exploration programs

• Potential expansion of CSIRO collaboration based on results

• Development of practical screening tools for portfolio-wide application

The eight-month timeline provides sufficient scope for comprehensive analysis while maintaining momentum toward broader project development objectives. In addition, this timeframe aligns with Prominence's substantial land position development strategy.

Investment Thesis: Early-Mover Advantage in Emerging Sector

The partnership with Prominence Energy Ltd positions the company at the forefront of Australia's natural hydrogen exploration sector. The collaboration provides several key advantages for investors seeking exposure to emerging clean energy resources.

Technical De-Risking

• Access to world-class scientific expertise

• Validation of exploration methodologies

• Improved understanding of hydrogen/helium systems

• Cost-effective approach to early-stage exploration

Strategic Positioning

• 64,000km² of highly prospective acreage

• Multiple play types and exploration targets

• Established presence in emerging hotspot region

• Data-driven approach to project development

Market Opportunity

• Clean energy transition driving hydrogen demand

• Helium supply constraints supporting pricing

• Early-stage valuations in emerging sector

• Potential for multiple discovery scenarios

Why Investors Should Follow Prominence Energy

The CSIRO partnership reinforces Prominence Energy's position as a serious player in Australia's emerging natural hydrogen sector. The company has demonstrated its commitment to scientific rigour and technical excellence while securing cost-effective access to world-class expertise.

Key Investment Tracking Points

Competitive Advantages

• Substantial land position in prospective region

• Scientific approach to exploration and development

• Strategic partnerships enhancing technical capabilities

• Dual-commodity potential providing multiple value drivers

• Early-mover status in emerging clean energy sector

The company's focus on data-driven exploration through the CSIRO partnership demonstrates a methodical approach to project development. Furthermore, this could differentiate Prominence from speculative players in the emerging hydrogen sector.

Prominence Energy has positioned itself as a leading player in Australia's natural hydrogen exploration sector, with significant upside potential driven by its substantial acreage position, strategic CSIRO partnership, and early-mover advantage in a rapidly emerging clean energy market. With program results expected in Q4 2026, investors should closely monitor developments as the company advances its data-driven exploration strategy.

The combination of technical validation through CSIRO collaboration, substantial resource potential, and positioning in a high-growth clean energy sector creates a compelling investment proposition. Consequently, this appeals to those seeking exposure to the next generation of energy resources.

The measured approach to exploration, combined with access to specialist expertise, positions Prominence to capitalise on growing interest in natural hydrogen. However, the partnership with Prominence Energy Ltd maintains technical credibility in this emerging sector while creating substantial value potential for forward-thinking investors.

Could Prominence Energy Be Your Gateway to the Natural Hydrogen Revolution?

With the CSIRO partnership validating Prominence Energy's scientific approach and the company's commanding position across 64,000km² of highly prospective South Australian acreage, early-stage investors have a unique opportunity to gain exposure to what could become a transformational clean energy sector. The combination of world-class technical expertise, substantial resource potential, and first-mover advantage in natural hydrogen exploration presents a compelling proposition for those seeking exposure to next-generation energy resources. To explore how Prominence Energy's data-driven strategy and strategic partnerships could position your portfolio for the emerging hydrogen economy, visit prominenceenergy.com.au for comprehensive company information and the latest project developments.