Critical progress in the planet’s push toward cleaner energy has emerged from a chance discovery in the Lorraine region. French researchers identified what could be the world’s largest natural, or white, hydrogen deposit while they were surveying underground methane reserves. White hydrogen refers to hydrogen found in nature, untouched by electrolysis or industrial processing, making it a standout for large‑scale industry use.
The breakthrough happened unexpectedly. The team, comprising Jaques Pirononon and Philippe de Donato from the University of Lorraine and the French National Centre for Scientific Research, CNRS, were investigating methane deposits when they stumbled upon substantial hydrogen-rich pockets. Their preliminary findings suggest a deposit of unparalleled potential, with hydrogen densities that surpass typical underground estimates.
Hydrogen concentrations reached 14 percent at 1,100 meters and climbed to 20 percent at 1,250 meters.
According to The Conversation explanations by Pirononon and De Donato, the detected gas would be extraordinary if verified. In explorations deeper underground, a 3,000‑meter horizon could conceivably exceed 90 percent hydrogen, though these figures require confirmation through disciplined drilling and sampling.
Potentially up to 46 million tons
Estimates built on measurements taken at 1,100 meters position the Lorraine deposit as capable of containing as much as 46 million tonnes of white hydrogen. The researchers describe this as possibly the world’s largest natural hydrogen deposit and note that, if confirmed, the site could rival half of annual gray hydrogen production, which is derived from fossil fuels.
On-site notes attribute the discovery to CNRS researchers and indicate strong interest from both French and international partners to finance the project. After obtaining necessary administrative approvals, the team plans drilling through the REGALOR II program, with activity expected to begin in early 2024 and to continue over three to four years.
What is white hydrogen?
Hydrogen is increasingly described with color labels—grey, green, blue, white—yet the element itself remains the same. White hydrogen is natural hydrogen found in Earth’s crust and is not produced through gas processing or electrolysis. This distinguishes it from other forms that involve energy inputs or emissions, potentially lowering environmental impact.
Experts view white hydrogen as a potential cornerstone for future energy
Unlike gray hydrogen, which relies on fossil fuels, or green hydrogen, which uses renewable energy, white hydrogen is native to underground formations and requires no processing to be harnessed. Some experts describe it as a foundational energy source for the coming decades, though practical extraction depends on thorough assessment of distribution and concentration across a basin.
How is white hydrogen thought to form? In deep geological layers, interactions within mineral-rich environments can yield hydrogen through water-splitting processes that leave little or no oxygen behind. Deeper zones may thus harbor higher hydrogen concentrations, guiding drilling strategies.
Experts note the economic potential of white hydrogen due to its very low or absent CO2 emissions and its cost advantages relative to other hydrogen types.
France is not alone in reporting natural hydrogen findings; similar deposits have been noted in the United States, Mali, and Australia. Mali currently operates a natural hydrogen site near Bamako, though its scale is not comparable to more optimistic discoveries.
Reference note: The Conversation discussed the discovery and its implications for future exploration and technology. [Cited content attributed to The Conversation]
Further updates on this line of research will follow as studies proceed and regulatory steps are completed.