HyTerra partners in Oman to explore natural hydrogen potential, targeting Samail Ophiolite while assessing technical, regulatory, and commercial feasibility challenges.
HyTerra is advancing its ambitions in the emerging natural hydrogen sector by turning its attention to Oman, where it sees significant untapped potential for large-scale development. The exploration company has entered into a non-binding agreement with local oil and gas player ARA Natural Resources, marking the beginning of a collaborative effort to study and assess the viability of naturally occurring hydrogen resources in the region. This agreement, structured as an 18-month memorandum of understanding (MOU), outlines a framework under which both parties will jointly evaluate prospective areas across the Sultanate.
As part of the collaboration, HyTerra will lead technical assessments aimed at identifying zones with promising hydrogen potential. In parallel, the company will also examine the regulatory environment, commercial feasibility, and permitting requirements necessary to advance such projects. This comprehensive approach reflects the early-stage nature of natural hydrogen exploration, where both geological understanding and policy frameworks remain under development.
Natural hydrogen—often referred to as white hydrogen—is generated through naturally occurring geological processes within the Earth’s crust. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods, which rely on industrial processes, natural hydrogen forms when certain rock types interact with water, producing hydrogen gas that can accumulate underground. One of the most promising geological settings for this process is the Samail Ophiolite in Oman. This vast formation represents an exposed section of oceanic crust and upper mantle, making it a rare and scientifically valuable site.
HyTerra has highlighted the Samail Ophiolite as a potentially “world-class” hydrogen resource. The formation is rich in ultramafic mantle rocks, which are known to produce hydrogen through a chemical reaction called serpentinization. This process occurs when water interacts with iron-rich rocks, releasing hydrogen gas over time. According to HyTerra’s leadership, such geological conditions position Oman as one of the most compelling global locations for natural hydrogen exploration. CEO Riley Kemp emphasized that careful and methodical early-stage evaluation could unlock significant long-term value.
The company’s efforts in Oman build on its broader experience in hydrogen exploration. HyTerra, which counts mining giant Fortescue as a stakeholder, has already been conducting exploratory drilling activities in Kansas in the United States. These operations are aimed at understanding subsurface hydrogen systems and refining extraction techniques, which could eventually be applied in other regions, including Oman.
Oman itself is actively working to establish a strong foothold in the global clean hydrogen market. Leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources and relatively low-cost natural gas, the country aims to become a leading exporter of hydrogen in the coming decades. Initiatives like the HyTerra-ARA partnership align with this national strategy, potentially adding a new dimension to Oman’s energy portfolio.
Despite the optimism, natural hydrogen remains an emerging and largely unproven resource. Commercial extraction technologies are still in the early stages of development, and there is ongoing debate about the most effective methods for production. While some experts believe that existing oil and gas infrastructure could be adapted for hydrogen extraction, further research and field testing are required to confirm feasibility.
In this context, HyTerra’s entry into Oman represents both an opportunity and a calculated risk. By combining geological expertise with strategic partnerships, the company aims to position itself at the forefront of a potentially transformative energy resource.
