By David Spence, Beach Energy
On 28 May 2026 the PESA SA/NT Branch received a fascinating talk on the technical geological side of hydrogen exploration from industry leader Peter Buberndorfer, Chief Geologist of pioneering hydrogen exploration company Gold Hydrogen.
The attendees were taken on a 2-billion-year ride through the regional geology of South Australia. Peter discussed the regional Proterozoic strata that are favourable for hydrogen generation along the boundary of the Gawler Craton. This included the impact of the Adelaide Geosyncline structural development in creating conditions favourable for charge into the overlying Cambrian Parara and Kulpara Limestones, that act as the potential hosts for hydrogen and helium deposits. This included, and of particular interest, an explanation of the “Fairy Circles” that are associated with hydrogen projects around the world, including hydrogen production in Mali.
This was followed by a more focussed discussion around the operational results from the recent successful Ramsay Field drilling campaign on the SA Yorke Peninsula, which has intersected up to 96% hydrogen and 37% helium, some of the highest purities ever seen in wells. Peter also provided a brief interpretation of the recently acquired 2D seismic data, along with a summary of historical drilling results, and included potential future activities that may culminate in proving a commercial discovery.
The talk was well received by the attendees, with many questions asked about this emerging industry. The SA/NT Branch thanks Peter for providing such technical geoscientific insight into such a topical sub-surface future energy project.
The SA/NT Branch also took the opportunity to award Brendan Frears from Amplitude Energy with his PESA 20-year membership certificate.
