45-8 Launches Helium Pilot Facility in France to Test Long-term Feasibility

45-8 Energy has inaugurated a helium pilot production facility in Nièvre, France, marking the first of its kind in western Europe. Construction began on this unit back in Oct'23 when the company decided to go ahead with the Fonts-Bouillants project that showed low helium concentrations (lower than the usual cut-off for profitability with 0.043% helium). The plan of the pilot is to assess the feasibility of long-term helium extraction from shallow gas deposits. Developed in collaboration with CNRS, the technology to extract the low concentration helium was patented this year. The company has applied for an Exclusive Research Permit covering 251km2 for helium and CO₂ exploration, as Europe seeks to reduce reliance on imported helium. After the EU imposed sanctions on Russia, we expect Europe's helium market to tighten further. There are a couple of other companies in the race to monetise on helium and natural hydrogen opportunities in the region including Helios Aragon, Lime Petroleum, and FDE.