Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery that could transform clean energy production.
This unexpected find could shake up the global race for clean power - moving France into pole position. That's because researchers have uncovered an astonishing 46 million tons of natural hydrogen in the Moselle region. This remarkable discovery has the potential to reshape global energy strategies by providing a new source of carbon-free fuel.
The discovery was made by scientists from the GeoRessources laboratory and the CNRS while they were searching for methane. Instead, at a depth of 4,101 feet (1,250 meters), they found an enormous deposit of white hydrogen - a hidden treasure with the potential to revolutionize the energy transition.
This form of hydrogen is naturally occurring and does not require industrial production, unlike green hydrogen, which is made using renewable energy, or grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels.
To put this discovery into perspective, the newly found deposit represents more than half of the world’s annual grey hydrogen production - but without the harmful environmental costs. If extracted efficiently, this resource could provide a clean, low-cost energy solution that eliminates CO2 emissions entirely. Media reports estimate the discovery’s value to be approximately $92 billion.
It also opens the door to France playing a key role in Europe's energy independence goals. This would reduce the EU's reliance on imported fossil fuels and if France moves quickly - the country could lead the charge in white hydrogen production.