On June 30, 2025, Bercy confirmed that France has native hydrogen deposits in the Aquitaine basin, the Pyrenean Piedmont and the Lorraine coal basin. Still nebulous, this potential arouses hopes of energy sovereignty, but exploitation remains hypothetical.
An unprecedented geological potential in France
Natural hydrogen, also called white or native hydrogen, is naturally present in the basement. Unlike green hydrogen, produced by water electrolysis, or gray hydrogen, extract from natural gas, it is in depth without COâ‚‚ emissions.
The IFPEN report specifies that “native hydrogen flows have been detected on the surface in various French regions”, including Aquitaine, Pyrenees and Lorraine.
Areas with a strong strategic issue
Three regions were identified as high potential areas: the Aquitaine basin, the Pyrenean foothills and the Lorraine coal basin.
- In Aquitaine, the geological structure would allow good gas conservation.
- In the Pyrenees, Piedmont flaws constitute favorable traps.
- In Lorraine, the old mining basin already conceals usable clues.
Mining exploration and legal supervision
Since the reform of the mining code in 2022, France recognizes native hydrogen as a full mining resource.
Two exclusive research permits were granted in the Landes and the Pyrenees, published in the Official Journal of March 29, 2025.
Exploration boreholes will be necessary to specifically estimate the exploitable volumes.
Several scientific actors participate in this work, including the University of Lorraine, Bordeaux INP, Montpellier, Grenoble, Pau, IFPEN, BRGM and CNRS.
Technological and economic brakes
Despite this potential, white hydrogen remains difficult to exploit. Its capture, storage and transport pose major challenges: it is the smallest known, ultra-voltile molecule, difficult to contain.
In parallel, gray hydrogen remains dominant and much less expensive to produce, although it is harmful to the climate.
A promise of energy sovereignty?
The Ministry of Economy believes that native hydrogen could constitute “a major asset for French energy sovereignty”.
This resource could ultimately complete, even replace, the existing green or gray hydrogen sectors.
But nothing can be done without scientific validation, economic feasibility and social acceptability.
