Scientists Discover Potential Massive Reserves of “White Hydrogen” in France
Two scientists from France’s National Centre of Scientific Research have made a groundbreaking discovery while assessing methane levels in northeastern France. Using a specialized probe, they found increasing concentrations of hydrogen as they went deeper underground. The presence of a large reservoir of hydrogen was estimated to contain between 6 million to 250 million metric tons, potentially making it one of the largest deposits of “white hydrogen” ever discovered.
White hydrogen, also known as “natural,” “gold,” or “geologic” hydrogen, is a naturally occurring element in the Earth’s crust and is considered a clean energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen only produces water when burned, making it attractive for industries like aviation, shipping, and steel-making. However, current commercial hydrogen production relies heavily on fossil fuels.
The recent discoveries in France and Mali have reinvigorated interest in white hydrogen as a potential abundant and clean-burning energy source. Globally, there could be tens of billions of tons of white hydrogen, which would far exceed current and predicted hydrogen production. The challenge lies in translating this hypothetical promise into a commercial reality.
Startups focused on white hydrogen have seen significant investments and are targeting early production in the coming years. Challenges such as regulations and costs need to be addressed, but the potential for a white hydrogen industry is promising. The scientists behind the French discovery plan to drill down further to determine the extent of the white hydrogen reserves.
It would be ironic if the Lorraine basin, formerly a coal-producing region, became a hub for the emerging white hydrogen industry. The findings open up new possibilities for addressing the climate crisis and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.