| In short |
|
The discovery in Lorraine of a potential for white hydrogen of 46 million tonnes may well redefine the global energy landscape. While France aims to become a major player in natural hydrogen under the leadership of Emmanuel Macron, this discovery could propel the country at the top of the international scene. In the department of Moselle, scientists from the University of Lorraine and CNRS have uncovered what could be the biggest deposit in the world. These recent revelations arouse curiosity and hope for the energy future of France and Europe.
An unexpected discovery
The researchers were not looking for hydrogen when they made this major discovery. Philippe de Donato, one of the researchers involved, said that the initial mission was to explore methane resources, using the Sysmog probe. It was only by analyzing the data collected that they have detected a high concentration of white hydrogen. At 1,250 meters deep, the concentration already reached 20 %, which pushed the researchers to extrapolate that at 3,000 meters, the content could exceed 90 %.
This discovery is all the more impressive since the Lorraine deposit could contain 46 million tonnes of natural hydrogen. To put this in perspective, the European Union aims to produce 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030. Discovery in Lorraine could therefore largely surpass this European objective.
Panic on the gas market: Find out how the repair price of July 2025 could upset your monthly bills today
A resource with unique characteristics
The researchers explained that the high concentration of white hydrogen could be explained by rapid chemical reactions between water molecules and minerals such as iron carbonate. These reactions produce hydrogen and could make the resource almost “renewable”because they take place on a relatively short time scale, from a few weeks to a few months. The Lorraine subsoil, rich in iron carbonate, thus offers an almost infinite potential for this type of production.
The Sysmog probe was decisive in this discovery, allowing the analysis of dissolved gases in water to a depth of 1,200 meters. This advanced technology has paved the way for new perspectives for the exploitation of natural resources previously inaccessible.
Panic in Boulogne-sur-Mer: a gas leakage forces spectacular evacuation of more than 700 students from a college in the middle of the day of lessons
Additional research required
Although the prospects are promising, scientists call for caution. The Lorraine deposit does not have the same characteristics as the conventional deposits of gas or petroleum. Here, hydrogen is dissolved in water, which requires the development of new extraction processes. Jacques Pironon underlined the need to invent new methods to exploit this unique resource.
The Regalor project, which allowed this discovery, will end this year, but a second part, Regalor II, is already planned. This new project, in partnership with the French energy, will start in April 2024 and will spread over three years. It will aim to refine the measures of the deposits and to develop specific operating processes. It is only after these crucial stages that extraction could become a concrete reality.
Implications for the energy future
If researchers’ hypotheses are confirmed, the white hydrogen deposit in Lorraine could transform France into a world leader in natural hydrogen. This resource could not only meet growing energy needs, but also reduce dependence on fossil fuels. It is fully part of the energy transition objectives of France and the European Union.
In addition, this discovery could also stimulate technological innovation and create new economic opportunities, particularly in terms of employment and industrial development. How will France be able to take advantage of this discovery to position itself as an essential actor in the field of natural hydrogen?
The author relied on artificial intelligence to enrich this article.
Did you like it? 4.6/5 (28)
