Abstract This introduction briefly outlines the potential impact of igneous processes on sedimentary basins and their energy resources. The associated volume includes contributions across a range of scales; from margin-wide rifting to impacts on reservoir quality. The impact of igneous systems on elements such as tectonics, heat flow, hydrocarbon (and other) fluid charge, structuration and reservoirs are reviewed with a direct impact on hydrocarbon exploration and production, geothermal and carbon capture storage projects. A strong understanding of these commonly overlooked, igneous processes is likely to enable successful exploration for additional energy resources such as frontier hydrocarbons, geothermal heat, hydrogen as well as helium.

Abstract A model is presented for the generation of natural hydrogen from cratonic basement rocks and its migration into the sediments of overlying cratonic basins. It is based on the ‘discovery’ of hydrogen at Bourakebougou in the Taoudeni Basin of Mali. In the ‘Cratonic Greenstone Model’, hydrogen is generated by the serpentinization of olivine-rich, ultramafic rocks contained within Precambrian ‘greenstones’. The model requires a protolith (in greenstones), a supply of water (from groundwater), connecting faults to act as a plumbing system and an indurated sediment cover to retard hydrogen movement. Hydrogen is expelled into the overlying basin sediments, which form the host for hydrogen accumulations. The model describes a continental ‘hydrogen system’, which can form the basis for petroleum-type play-based hydrogen exploration in cratonic settings. Using play elements derived from the model, the Bourakebougou play fairway can be extended across the Taoudeni Basin >700 km northwards of the discovery.

Abstract Native hydrogen and helium have been considered important resources in assisting the energy transition. Hydrogen and helium seeps have been reported worldwide, which may indicate large reserves within the subsurface. However, generation of hydrogen and helium is complex; poorly understood and constrained for both generation processes and migration. One source of native hydrogen is ultramafic rocks, which have experienced serpentinization together with water radiolysis. In contrast, helium generation occurs as the result of the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium present within radiogenically enriched basement. An exploration tool, dedicated to identifying areas with the geological settings and conditions favourable for native hydrogen and helium generation, has been developed and tested. Several databases have been created and integrated as part of this study (geological and geochemical generation models) to support and focus the search for both hydrogen and helium. Machine learning algorithms which extract value from geospatial data types for detecting various accumulations have been implemented. The first machine learning results demonstrate the significant value in integrating data and machine learning for high grading areas more conducive to accumulating hydrogen and helium.