Path2 eyes extracting hydrogen from disused oil wells in Europe

German-headquartered Path2 Hydrogen has partnered with MP Industries (MPI) to explore the extraction, liquefaction, and storage of hydrogen produced from disused oil wells across Europe.

Feasibility studies will target prospective sites for Path2’s ProtonH2 technology – acquired in 2025 – which stimulates hydrogen generation in depleted oil reservoirs, with extracted hydrogen then liquefied and stored via Path2 subsidiary GenH2’s systems.

Prospective sites and timelines have yet to be disclosed.

MPI, an Estonia-based engineering and project development company, would contribute engineering, procurement, and construction services to projects.

Path2 began looking to combine so-called white hydrogen identification systems with liquification and storage technologies in late 2025 when it ProtonH2 and its associated systems.

While primarily targeted at depleted or end-of-life oil reservoirs, the technology is technically applicable to a broader range of hydrocarbon environments.

Previously, it had been set for use in a 500 tonne-per-day low-carbon in Saskatchewan. Construction was targeted for late 2024. However, the company has provided no updates as to its progress.

Josh McMorrow, CEO of Path2, said the new partnership could provide a credible path for bringing natural hydrogen to market in Europe.

“We have the technology to produce vast amounts of low-cost, low-carbon hydrogen through ProtonH2, and we can liquefy, store, and deliver it through GenH2,” he added.

Interest in geological hydrogen solutions has grown rapidly as firms look for cheaper ways to produce the fuel.

While it provides a potential pathway to cheap, low-carbon hydrogen, its viability remains unproven.