National Observatory launches unprecedented project to explore natural hydrogen in Brazil

The Brazilian National Observatory, a unit affiliated with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (ON/MCTI), took a pioneering step by acquiring STRYDE's Mini and Nimble seismic systems, cutting-edge technology that will enable high-resolution geophysical surveys. The initiative seeks to investigate Brazil's potential in the exploration of natural hydrogen, a clean energy source continuously generated by geological processes and attracting growing global interest.

High-tech geophysics and Brazil's geological potential

The new seismic systems allow for the collection of passive data related to natural ground movements, as well as data generated artificially by large vibrators. According to Artur Benevides, a geophysics researcher at the National Observatory, the ultra-compact and lightweight equipment allows for the installation of a much larger number of sensors in the field, covering vast areas with greater speed and precision than conventional technologies. This capability translates into more detailed seismic images, capable of revealing subtle subsurface structures where hydrogen can accumulate, while reducing acquisition time and expanding reach in remote regions.

The first application will be in an unprecedented natural hydrogen exploration campaign in Brazil. Previous studies have identified favorable geological environments, such as iron-rich ultramafic rocks—essential for the formation of the element—as well as records of seeps in the São Francisco Sedimentary Basin in Minas Gerais and in the Maricá region of Rio de Janeiro. With this project, the National Observatory positions the country at the forefront of the search for new sustainable energy frontiers, at a time when the transition to clean energy sources is becoming a global priority.