Researchers step up hunt for natural hydrogen deposit in northeastern France

Researchers in Pontpierre, northeast France, are stepping up efforts to determine whether millions of tonnes of natural hydrogen can be extracted from a potentially unique underground deposit. The hydrogen, found dissolved in aquifers, could provide a decarbonised energy source and bring economic benefits to the region.

Teams are drilling deeper to assess hydrogen concentrations at greater depths and exploring technologies to extract the gas. The discovery could support energy independence, decarbonisation, and industrial demand in the former mining basin of the Grand Est region.