Hydrogen Separation Tech Showcased at CSIRO Facility in Australia
German company Siqens has successfully tested its electrochemical hydrogen separation technology at CSIRO’s Hydrogen Technology Demonstration Facility (HTDF) in Victoria, Australia.
The trial focused on separating helium from naturally occurring hydrogen – often referred to as geological or white hydrogen – using a specialised membrane-based process.
The test involved feeding mixtures of hydrogen and helium (ranging from 10% to 75%) into the rig, demonstrating its ability to produce up to 4.7kg of high-purity hydrogen per day—significantly more than previous benchmarks.
Unlike conventional air separation techniques that rely on size-based filtration, Siqens’ membrane selectively allows hydrogen ions to pass through, ensuring efficient purification while leaving helium behind.
The demonstration attracted interest from 25 different organisations, offering Siqens a platform to showcase its technology to potential industry partners.
Implications for the Hydrogen Economy
This breakthrough could accelerate the viability of natural hydrogen as an alternative fuel source by enabling more efficient extraction and purification.
White hydrogen, found in geological deposits, is increasingly seen as a cost-effective alternative to hydrogen produced via electrolysis or gas reforming with carbon capture.
Estimates suggest that natural hydrogen production could cost as little as $2.30 per kg, significantly cheaper than current methods, which can exceed $6 per kg.
Siqens’ successful test highlights the growing commercial interest in hydrogen exploration, particularly in Australia, which boasts substantial reserves.
South Australia has already issued multiple exploration permits, covering around 32% of the state, as companies seek to capitalise on this untapped energy resource.
On a broader scale, advancements in hydrogen separation technology could strengthen the global hydrogen supply chain by reducing dependency on energy-intensive production methods.
If separation processes become widely adopted, the industry could see increased investment in geological hydrogen exploration, shaping long-term strategies in clean energy and carbon reduction.
