Sercel WiNG DFU-3C passive seismic sensors can be used to image subsurface hydrogen-generating systems with greater precision and efficiency. (Image source: Sercel)

Viridien, an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company, and Mantle8, a French geoscience company specialising in natural hydrogen exploration, have formed a strategic partnership to accelerate hydrogen exploration across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region

Under the partnership, Mantle8 will leverage GeoVerse, Viridien’s world-leading geological database, to support natural hydrogen exploration in EMEA, as well as using WiNG DFU-3C passive seismic sensors from Sercel, Viridien’s Sensing & Monitoring business, for the imaging of subsurface hydrogen-generating systems. Through the combination of Viridien’s subsurface data and Sercel’s advanced sensor technology, Mantle8 will accelerate its prospect generation and scanning for high-potential zones across EMEA.

“Europe is blessed with abundant, low-emission natural hydrogen, and the drive to map these resources and start drilling is stronger than ever. This partnership gives us the ability to reach that goal much faster,” said Emmanuel Masini, founder and CEO of Mantle8. “Access to Viridien’s GeoVerse database gives us the scale of data needed to fuel our prospect generation and sharpen our targeting of promising zones in line with Mantle8’s thesis. Building on that foundation, deployment of Sercel WiNG DFU-3C sensors provides the capability to image entire hydrogen systems and de-risk drilling programs.”

“Viridien is committed to working with partners to develop knowledge and solutions that will accelerate the energy transition. Natural hydrogen is one area, alongside geothermal energy, critical mineral exploration and carbon storage, where our advanced geoscience and data science technology can support the global effort to meet net-zero targets,” said Chris Page, EVP, New Business Development, Viridien. “Together, we are enabling faster, more accurate identification of promising natural hydrogen zones, supporting a cleaner energy future for the EMEA region.”

Mantle8 has confirmed some of the highest recorded hydrogen concentrations at its Comminges prospect in the French Pyrenees. Utilising Sercel WiNG DFU-3C sensors, combined with Mantle8’s HOREX multiphysics imaging technology, the first-ever images of an entire active hydrogen system have been produced, validating Mantle8’s proprietary exploration technology and reinforcing the commercial case for natural hydrogen as a low-cost, low-carbon energy source.

Shipping is seen as one of the most promising opportunities for low-carbon ammonia and methanol

While ammonia and methanol are gaining traction as low-carbon fuels and hydrogen carriers to support the global energy transition, large-scale adoption is slow due to uncertain demand, says data and analytics company GlobalData

Demand for low-carbon ammonia and methanol is being driven by industries such as shipping, power generation, fertilizers, and chemicals, given their potential to decarbonise existing operations. GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence report, “Ammonia and Methanol in Energy Transition,” reveals that countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and members of the European Union are backing low-carbon projects, while companies including Yara, Maersk, CF, and Mitsubishi are exploring large-scale investments to boost their production.

Low-carbon ammonia capacity is estimated to grow to nearly 250 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) by 2030, with more than 460 upcoming plants globally. Low-carbon methanol is also projected to grow, with plant numbers approaching 150 by 2030. However, many projects are in early stages of development, with some hydrogen-linked initiatives already seeing delays or cancellations.

The report also highlights that low-carbon ammonia and methanol are closely linked to the scaling of hydrogen, acting as carriers for transport and storage. However, growth depends on stronger infrastructure commitments, technology advancements, and regulatory requirements. Shipping is seen as the most promising immediate opportunity, but significant investment and regulatory clarity are required to move beyond pilots.

Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas analyst at GlobalData, commented, “Low-carbon ammonia and methanol could complement the energy transition by acting as fuels and hydrogen carriers, but their role is far from guaranteed. Cost competitiveness, safety standards, and infrastructure development will be critical. Without supportive regulation and faster project execution, many of the current net-zero ambitions may not translate into reality.

“Low-carbon ammonia and methanol initiatives had a promising start earlier this decade. However, the pace of development is already slowing, with some high-profile hydrogen projects seeing cancellations or postponement. Combined with high production costs and technical challenges in handling, this raises doubts about whether low-carbon ammonia and methanol can achieve the scale once envisioned. These challenges underline the gap between announced capacity and what will realistically materialise by 2030.”

Halliburton has launched the next-generationTuring electro-hydraulic control system, with bidirectional choking and built-in position sensors for fast and accurate flow control

Part of Halliburton’s of SmartWell intelligent completions technology, this system sets a new standard in reservoir flow control suitable for all completion applications, improving recovery and reducing well count.

The Turing electro-hydraulic control system facilitates fast zonal optimisation through integrated position sensors that help operators manage well performance with speed, precision, and confidence. Its simplified, flexible design reduces rig time, operational risk, and production delays to deliver measurable value to our customers.

Operators can remotely and selectively adjust zonal ICV positions in seconds. Built-in high-resolution sensors increase fidelity and expand choke position options. Fast, precise bidirectional control of the ICVs enables flow control from or into each zone without closing the ICV. This capability supports routine, active well optimisation and supports the adoption of fully automated, data-driven optimisation technology.

Paired with the Clariti digital reservoir management suite, the Turing electro-hydraulic control system provides customers with added insights and real-time advice on opportunities for well production and field optimisation. The system can manage up to 12 zones with three control lines, two hydraulic and one single-wire tubing-encapsulated conductor (TEC). The TEC line communicates with downhole sensors through the DataSphere permanent monitoring suite to eliminate additional lines and reduce subsea infrastructure costs.

“As the pioneer of SmartWell intelligent completions, Halliburton’s advancements in this technology strengthen our industry leadership. Our new Turing electro-hydraulic control system builds on that legacy. It empowers our customers to improve recovery, manage subsurface uncertainty, and achieve lower costs with greater operational efficiency,” said Maxime Coffin, vice president, Halliburton Completion Tools

Inspection professionals can quickly detect faults and issues to prevent downtime and extend equipment life. (Image source: Flir)

Flir, a Teledyne Technologies company, has launched the C8 latest-generation thermal imaging camera, providing enhanced image quality, higher accuracy, improved sensitivity, andf advanced reporting templates within Flir Ignite Pro

Traditional thermal inspections can be slow, unclear, and hard to document, relying on manual processes that risk overlooking critical issues, leading to higher maintenance costs, delayed repairs, and reduced productivity. The rugged, easy to use Flir C8 addresses these challenges with powerful, high-resolution thermography, ensuring accurate, efficient, standardised inspections. In addition, technicians can integrate FLIR Ignite Pro cloud connectivity and new advanced reporting templates that streamline workflows and save time as well as supporting easy collaboration.

New capabilities for the Flir C8 include 320 x 240 thermal resolution and 35° horizontal field of view to increase the number of pixels. Used in combination with Flir’s patented MSX detail enhancement technology, it provides clear and accurate imaging, supporting faster fault and anomaly detection for more accurate diagnostics. For example, in electrical and mechanical maintenance activities Inspection professionals can quickly detect faults and issues in factories, process plants, commercial facilities, and utilities to prevent downtime and extend equipment life.

“Users of our C8 can enjoy up to 40-50% quicker inspections, helping to cut labour and downtime costs,” revealed John Gould, Director – Global Business Development – Condition Monitoring. “Identifying faults faster and acting sooner reduces expensive outages and unplanned repairs, while confidence in consistent, reliable results is assured thanks to high resolution and high thermal sensitivity. Furthermore, isotherm alarms instantly highlight when temperatures cross set limits, helping users quickly identify potential issues”.

The camera also provides increased accuracy of ±2°C @ 0°C to a newly elevated 450°C maximum object temperature, higher sensitivity (NETD <50 mk) and streaming over USB.