World’s 1st hydrogen extraction technology of its kind piloted in Saskatchewan

Source: Thomas Piller | GLOBAL NEWS | June 24, 2020

A new technology being piloted in Saskatchewan aims to extract hydrogen from beneath the earth.

Saskatchewan is set to welcome first-of-its-kind hydrogen production project. Proton Technologies / Supplied

Alberta-based Proton Technologies has deployed its patented process to extract the element from existing hydrocarbon reservoirs to be the first commercial development of its kind.

“We are excited to move ahead with the first commercial deployment of this technology in the world here in Saskatchewan, and we have exciting plans to further advance and scale this technology in future stages,” Proton CEO Grant Strem said in a statement.

“Saskatchewan is a great place to invest and do business, especially in the energy industry.”

The technology also has the potential to repurpose orphaned oil wells, officials said.

For many abandoned or depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, hygenic earth energy (HEE) becomes a “phoenix” solution, according to Proton’s website. The transition to HEE can be rapid since infrastructure is in place, and so many reservoirs are surveyed and accessible.