Brimir
01
Brimir project
Between the 1960s and 1980s, a large number of exploratory wells were drilled in search of hydrocarbons in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, in north-east Germany. In several areas, these wells have revealed no hydrocarbons, but a gaseous mix rich in nitrogen and helium. These resources were not technically and economically attractive at the time, and were simply not exploited.
With Europe and Germany seeking greater sovereignty, the supply of helium to the area is now of strategic importance, and 45-8 ENERGY is now interested in developing this resource, discovered over 60 years ago.
In September 2023, 45-8 ENERGY applied to the Bergamt Stralsund Mining Authority for an exploration license. In November 2023, 45-8 ENERGY was awarded the exploration license, named Brimir. The license covers an area of 113 km² in north-eastern Germany, including 7 municipalities.
The granting of this exploration license enables 45-8 ENERGY to deepen its geological knowledge of the area and confirm its significant potential. Subsequent validation of our hypotheses will enable us to develop helium in the region.
Pilot production could then be envisaged in response to the quest for territorial sovereignty, helium being a strategic resource required by many German industries. With the Brimir project, the aim is to develop helium resources locally and produce them as close as possible to where they are consumed.
The exploration license has been granted for a period of 5 years to enable 45-8 ENERGY to acquire the data required to validate the helium potential of the Brimir area.
Size of the exploration area
113 km²
Taille de la zone d’exploration
Concerned municipalities
7
Communes concernées
Granted period
5 ans
Validité du PER
02
The license goals
Deepen ou existing geological knowledge.
Accurately characterize the geology of the area and the areas most suitable for a helium-rich mix gas.
Quantify volumes of helium that are accumulated in the subsurface and assess the technical and economic potential, all with the utmost respect of the environment and local residents.
03
The exploration area
45-8 ENERGY is interested in the north-east of Germany, in particular the Land of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, known for its helium-rich potential, following various acquisitions.
45-8 ENERGY is focusing on an area of 113 km², covering 7 municipalities:
- Brünzow
- Katzow
- Kemniyz
- Neu Boltenhagen
- Rubenow
- Wolgast
- Wusterhusen
During the next few years, data will be acquired in these municipalities. All these acquisitions will have a limited and temporary impact on the environment and local residents.
04
Helium at the heart of our exploration
Helium
Drilling was carried out between the 1960s and 1980s in search of hydrocarbons. Instead of finding hydrocarbons, the results revealed the presence of a fraction of helium in the gas mix of the Brimir zone, associated with nitrogen. At the time, exploration was exclusively dedicated to hydrocarbons; the associated helium was not valorized.
The gas mix in the Brimir zone consists of helium and nitrogen. 45-8 ENERGY aims to develop this critical and strategic resource for eastern Germany, where numerous consumer industries are located.
Nitrogen
The Brimir zone is mainly composed of nitrogen, the most abundant element in the earth’s atmosphere (around 78% of its composition).
Due to the abundance of nitrogen in the air, its attractiveness is limited and its economic use unlikely. Its release into the atmosphere poses no risk to humans (inert, odorless, invisible) or the environment (it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect and is already present in high concentrations in the earth’s atmosphere).
Local helium with a strategic project
Germany consumes 9.5 Mm3 of helium per year, making it the world’s fifth largest consumer. All of this helium is imported from the United States, Qatar, Algeria, and Russia. Most of this helium is used by high-tech industries located in the eastern part of the country.
In a context where the resource is becoming critical, rare, and subject to frequent shortages, it is essential to be able to produce the resource as close as possible to European consumption centers in order to ensure a European supply of helium.
45-8 ENERGY aims to produce helium in the state of Mecklenburg- Vorpommern, which would guarantee access to the resource for German industries in need.
05
The work program
06
Acquisitions
3D Seismic reflection
Reflection Seismic is a non-invasive and non-destructive method of imaging the subsurface, deployed only on the surface. It has no impact on the environment or homes.
It involves a two-step measurement process:
- the deployment of seismic sensors (geophones);
- and the transmission of waves into the ground via a plate attached to a truck that vibrates against the ground, or via small explosives placed at shallow depths.
The echoes of these waves on the different geological layers are then picked up and recorded by the geophones. Once analyzed, this provides geologists with information about the structure and nature of the terrain.
07
The key steps
Forecast calendar.
