Top End Energy Ltd

From Rig to Revolution: Luke Velterop’s Bold Bet on Natural Hydrogen Every so often, a story comes along that redefines what it means to chase a vision. Success, as the saying goes, demands sacrifice, and few embody this truth like Luke Velterop, the geologist-turned-CEO who sold nearly everything he owned to pioneer a new frontier in energy. His journey, from the dusty rigs of Texas to leading Top End Energy and its Serpentine Project, is a testament to grit, technical know-how, and an unyielding belief in the potential of natural hydrogen. The Making of a Geologist In his early twenties, Luke Velterop was a wellsite geologist in Texas, immersed in the high-stakes world of drilling. Days and nights were spent logging cuttings, overseeing wells, and navigating the complex process of leasing land. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was formative. Those years on the rigs gave Luke a rare, ground-level understanding of how energy projects come to life—an education no textbook could match. He wasn’t just learning the science; he was absorbing the mechanics of turning ideas into reality. A Leap of Faith Fast forward to age 33, and Luke faced a pivotal moment. He had a vision: to explore natural hydrogen, a resource with the potential to disrupt the energy landscape. But big dreams require big risks. To launch Serpentine Energy, Luke made a choice most would shy away from—he sold his home and most of his possessions in Australia to fund the venture. This wasn’t just a financial gamble; it was a personal one. “I believed in this,” Luke has said, reflecting on the decision. “I had to back myself.” He didn’t go it alone. Seed capital came from friends, family, and, crucially, local landowners in Kansas who saw the same potential Luke did. These weren’t just leaseholders; they became major shareholders, creating a unique alignment between community, capital, and vision. This partnership became the bedrock of Serpentine Energy, fostering a sense of shared purpose that set the project apart. From Startup to ASX Success Serpentine Energy didn’t just survive—it thrived. The company’s rapid growth caught the attention of Top End Energy, an ASX-listed firm, which acquired Serpentine and named Luke as CEO. For investors, Luke’s story is compelling: a geologist with deep technical expertise, a founder who’s risked it all, and a leader driven by passion and purpose. His hands-on experience and personal investment lend credibility to every decision he makes. Today, the Serpentine Project stands at the forefront of natural hydrogen exploration in the U.S. One of my strictest investment criteria is a devoted and opportunistic CEO. I believe that Luke is both of these things. This exert is my personal observation and is not to be taken as investment advice. See disclosures. X account- @TopEndEnergy Website topendenergy.com.au Ticker $TNDEF | OTCM $SERPY|ASX $PLUG $BLDP $BE $LIN $APD $FCEL $NKLA $CMI $AIQUY $HYDR $XOM $OXY $FSLR $ENPH $TAN