Banja Vuca
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Banja Vuca exploration license
Following bibliographical research and initial field measurements, the Dinarides region, including Kosovo, appears to be favourable for the presence of hydrogen in several of the region’s thermo-mineral springs.
To confirm the potential for natural hydrogen, the 45-8 ENERGY team carried out two encouraging field missions. The presentation of the region’s exploration project to the relevant authorities subsequently strengthened 45-8 ENERGY’s resolve to explore the area further.
In January 2023, 45-8 ENERGY submitted an application for an exploration licence named ‘Banja Vuca’, which is currently being examined by the local authorities. This exploration licence will make it possible to fully assess the hydrogen potential of the area and confirm the technical and economic viability of a project to produce the resource, which is directly linked to the company’s mission.
The exploration work to be carried out under the ‘Banja Vuca’ licence will also provide a better understanding of the concept of ‘serpentinisation’, from both a scientific and an industrial point of view, and will make it possible to assess and clarify certain aspects relating to the operation and potential of the mechanism.
This licence therefore represents a promise both for the launch of the hydrogen industry in Kosovo and the Dinarides region and for the understanding of the global geological system of natural hydrogen.
What if the exploration phase proves successful?
If the exploration phase is positive and the hydrogen potential is confirmed, local production of the resource will be considered.
The infrastructure will be compact with a small footprint, equivalent to an agricultural shed, limiting the project’s impact on the ground in order to preserve biodiversity. In addition, 45-8 ENERGY is working to ensure that its projects are fully integrated into the local area and landscape (buildings that respect local architecture, wood cladding, use of solar panels, etc.) and is considering uses that will contribute to the ecological transition.
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The location of the Banja Vuca license
The “Banja Vuca” exploration license covers an area of 57.5km2 over the municipality of Leposavić, in northern Kosovo.
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Natural hydrogen
Natural hydrogen
The aim of the Banja Vuca exploration license is to assess the area’s potential for producing natural hydrogen.
Is hydrogen found in the subsurface natural?
Natural hydrogen is produced naturally in the subsurface. As such, its formation requires no critical materials, no anthropogenic energy and no impact on available fresh water resources.
“Native hydrogen”, “natural hydrogen” or “white hydrogen” are some different terms used to describe the hydrogen produced naturally by our planet.
How is hydrogen formed?
The natural formation of hydrogen in the subsurface can have several origins. In the context of the “Banja Vuca” exploration license, hydrogen is formed by the transformation of a rock from the earth’s mantle, which reacts with water seeping through faults. This process, known as serpentinization, generates a rock called serpentine, as well as natural hydrogen.
Is natural hydrogen a carbon-free resource?
Yes! Natural hydrogen, produced naturally underground, is a totally carbon-free resource. Its production requires no critical materials, anthropogenic energy or water, and enables the resource to be valorized at extremely competitive costs, making a direct contribution to the energy and ecological transition of Kosovo and Europe.
Why produce natural hydrogen?
Native hydrogen has a role to play in the decarbonization of industry and mobility. This type of hydrogen could easily be integrated into the existing low-carbon hydrogen mix as a natural, decarbonized and competitive resource.
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The work program
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The key steps
Theoretical dates. The steps to be taken will depend on the time required to process the exploration license application with the competent authorities.
