HyTerra brings in former Shell scientist to lead helium and hydrogen hunt
HyTerra (ASX: HYT) has added highly-regarded former Shell chief scientist Dr Dirk Smit to its exploration team as it steps up its hunt for helium and hydrogen in the US.
Dr Smit has been named the company’s chief geophysicist and his expertise gleaned from more than 30 years’ working in geophysical and leadership roles for the global energy giant is seen as a real boost to HyTerra’s accelerating gas hunt in Kansas.
He joined Shell’s geophysics research and development department in the Netherlands in 1992 and subsequently held numerous positions until 2015 when, as vice president of research strategy, his focus shifted to aspects of the energy transition and a net-zero emission system.
Energy consultant
Dr Smit is currently involved with energy strategy consultancy for governments and a number of start-ups in Europe, the UK and the US.
“Dr Smit is an internationally accomplished and renowned scientist whose extensive experience and passion for white hydrogen will be a tremendous asset to the company as we progress our exploration activities at our 100%-owned Nemaha Project,” HyTerra executive director Avon McIntyre said.
“I look forward to working closely with Dirk on our white hydrogen and helium exploration activities.”
“He joins HyTerra at an exciting time, with a drill program planned for this quarter.”
Dr Smit retired from Shell in November 2023 and holds a visiting position at Oxford University in 2024.
He is also an affiliate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as well as a visiting professor in energy research at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore.
Nemaha activities
The appointment comes as HyTerra accelerates its exploration and ground acquisition activities at the Nemaha project in Kansas.
Earlier this week, the company was granted a further Kansas drilling permit, allowing it to test the Blythe 13-20 well at Nemaha.
HyTerra has around 6,500 net acres of owned and operated lease holdings geologically contiguous to this well.
The week prior, HYT received the green light to drill the Sue-Duroche-3 well at Nemaha.
The well will be located 1,400m east of the historic Scott-1 well drilled in 1982, which reported up to 56% hydrogen.