Identification of Natural Hydrogen Sources from Geochemical Study in Tanjung Api Area, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia: Analysis from Open Dataset and Future Prospects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25299/jgeet.2026.11.3.27841Keywords:
hydrogen, H2, CH4, Geochemical, Ampana Basin, SulawesiAbstract
In the effort to develop environmentally friendly energy, natural H2 plays a major role due to its large source originating from the Earth's mantle. Therefore, studies on the analysis of the origin of H2 are crucial. The study in this paper aims to provide additional analysis on the origin of H2 in gas samples from the Tanjung Api area, Ampana Basin, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. This study discusses geochemical analysis and its correlation with the source of H2. Laboratory tests of gases such as H2, CH4 and δ13C1 isotopes were used to predict the origin of H2. The results of these laboratory tests were compared with results from various H2 source locations from around the world to support and strengthen predictions regarding H2 sources in this study area. The results of this study show an H2 concentration value of 35%, δ13C1 value of -15.2 ‰ and ln(CH4/H2) with a value of -0.0901 correlated with the type of abiogenic gas that is very likely derived from serpentinization reactions in ultramafic rocks in the East Sulawesi Ophiolite (ESO) system. According to the result of this study, future studies are expected to map locations where H2 gas accumulates in reservoir rocks in the Ampana Basin. This can be achieved through more comprehensive geophysical (e.g. seismic, magnetic, and/or gravity) and geological studies. Through this study, it is expected that it can contribute to further research and development of natural H2 energy in Indonesia.
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