Natural hydrogen
A sovereign resourcebeneath Lorraine's soil
What is natural hydrogen?
Unlike hydrogen produced through electrolysis or from fossil fuels, natural hydrogen is generated continuously by geological processes present within the Earth's subsurface. It exists in its natural state and can be extracted directly, with no industrial manufacturing step.
Research carried out in Lorraine by the CNRS, the University of Lorraine and their partners has revealed a particularly promising potential, establishing natural hydrogen as a new strategic resource for Europe.
A local, low-carbon and sovereign energy source, with the potential to contribute to security of supply, industrial competitiveness and European energy autonomy.
Reading the subsurface
Measurements carried out in the Lorraine basin reveal a gradual increase in hydrogen concentrations with depth, opening up the prospect of a major natural resource on a European scale.
Future confirmation wells, beyond 3,000 metres, will aim to validate the geological models and assess the industrial potential of this strategic resource for Europe.
Depth
H₂ concentration
Measurements from the Folschviller scientific borehole (CNRS · University of Lorraine). At 3,000 m, no measurement is available: value derived from geological modelling.