HyTerra appoints former Shell chief scientist Dr Dirk Smit as its chief geophysicist
Dr Smit has 30 years’ experience working in geophysical and leadership roles for Shell
He also has a passion and extensive knowledge in white hydrogen that will support the company’s upcoming drill program
Special Report: HyTerra has rolled out the big guns in its search for white, or natural, hydrogen with the appointment of former Shell chief scientist Dr Dirk Smit as its chief geophysicist.
Currently involved with Oxford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and as an energy strategy consultant, Dr Smit is a globally recognised expert in innovative clean energy solutions and the energy transition with a special passion for unlocking the full potential of white hydrogen.
White hydrogen is simply hydrogen that forms when water reacts with iron-rich minerals at elevated temperatures or when radioactive elements split water into oxygen and hydrogen.
The resulting hydrogen is then trapped in reservoirs akin to those that host oil and gas.
This is the kind of prize that HyTerra (ASX:HYT) is chasing at its flagship Nemaha project where a drilling program in the current quarter will provide a clear understanding of what is present.
HYT already has two permitted well locations – Blythe 13-20 and Sue Duroche-3 – and is currently seeking permits for more wells, which will give it options for which well locations to pick for drilling.
Expertise to drive exploration
Dr Smit has over 30 years’ experience working geophysical and leadership roles for Shell and became the giant’s chief scientist in 2019 where he advised the company’s executive committee and board.
He retired from Shell in 2023 and currently holds a visiting position at Oxford University’s Martin School and Earth Sciences and is an affiliate of MIT’s Energy Initiative and the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences.
Additionally, he holds a visiting professorship in Energy Research at the India Institute of Science in Bangalore and is currently involved with energy strategy consultancy to both governments and a number of start-ups in Europe, UK and the US.
Dr Smit is a frequent keynote speaker and writes about aspects of the energy transition, stressing the role of clean or zero-carbon chemical (particularly hydrogen) and subsurface/geological based solutions to create more flexibility and optionality for net-zero energy systems to scale.
As chief geophysicist, his passion and knowledge for white hydrogen is expected to drive HYT’s exploration activities, including the upcoming drill program at Nemaha.
“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,” HYT executive director Avon McIntyre said.
“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.”
This article was developed in collaboration with HyTerra, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
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