The company said hydrogen from the well is free-flowing, up to 286,000ppm concentration (6%), and there is evidence of a large reservoir with hydrogen moving naturally toward the surface.

Together, the indicators suggest strong suitability as a source, Max Power said.

Located in Lawson, approximately 140km south of Saskatoon, the well is in the heart of a 475km geological corridor dubbed by Max Power as the Genesis Trend, amidst approximately 1.3m acres being explored by the Canadian firm.

The findings could strengthen the region’s prospects for natural hydrogen, with the company targeting next steps towards commercial deliverability for the first half of 2026.

Ran Narayanasamy, CEO and President of Max Power, said the results contain all the “key ingredients required for the future of commercial natural hydrogen development” for the company.

“Achieving these results on an initial well…[suggests] Lawson is part of a larger, functioning natural hydrogen accumulation rather than an isolated occurrence”.

According to the Max Power, confirming the viability of the well, in a region where natural hydrogen policy framework is advanced, could spark a “series of short-term catalysts” and accelerate Saskatchewan’s clean energy industry.

Natural hydrogen, also known as geologic or white hydrogen, is formed by natural geologic processes. It has drawn attention for its potential to deliver large volumes of low-carbon hydrogen at low-cost.

While extraction of natural hydrogen remains relatively novel, players in the industry are increasingly exploring its commercialisation.

The announcement comes within days of UK natural hydrogen firm, H2Au, applying for exploration rights for white hydrogen in South Africa, and the governor of Michigan, US, signing an executive directive to unlock natural hydrogen potential in the state.