The hunt is on for natural hydrogen

Discoveries are happening all over the world, but levels of potential resources are unknown

Naturally occurring hydrogen is increasingly becoming the focus of exploration activity around the world, with projects underway in South Australia, the US and France. Naturally occurring hydrogen, also referred to as geologic hydrogen, gold hydrogen and white hydrogen, is created when water is split underground following reactions with iron-rich rocks. A recent discovery in the Lorraine Mining Basin in France by French company FDE found 98% pure hydrogen at a depth of 3,000m. FDE has applied for an exclusive exploration permit covering an area of 2,254 km² in the Grand Est region. It is the first significant find of natural hydrogen in Europe, although other regions have been focusing on th