
France has made a groundbreaking discovery of natural hydrogen reserves, estimated to be worth around $92 trillion. The reserve is estimated to hold 46 million tonnes of hydrogen, valued at around $92 Trillion. This makes it one of the largest known natural hydrogen reserves on the planet.
The discovery was unexpected, as scientists were initially searching for methane but instead found this vast supply of white hydrogen buried 1,250 meters underground.
White hydrogen is naturally occurring and does not require complex industrial processes or generate harmful emissions, making it a potential game-changer for clean energy. This discovery could significantly impact the global energy landscape and drive a shift towards more sustainable energy sources.
Unlike green hydrogen, which requires electricity from renewable sources for production, or grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels and contributes to pollution, white hydrogen is naturally occurring. It is found deep underground and does not require complex industrial processes or generate harmful emissions.
Researchers from the Georesources Laboratory and CNRS made the discovery while initially searching for methane. Instead, they found a vast natural hydrogen reserve buried 1,250 meters underground.
The discovery could expedite the transition to a hydrogen-based economy, aligning with the EU's Fit-for-55 Package and REPowerEU plan. Natural hydrogen, being a clean and sustainable energy source, can help Europe achieve its net-zero goals more efficiently.
With substantial natural hydrogen reserves, Europe could reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and independence.
White hydrogen is considered a potential game-changer for clean energy as it provides a carbon-free energy source. When burned, it only produces water, making it an exceptionally clean energy source with enormous potential.
The discovery could spark a global shift toward sustainable energy, as similar reserves might exist in other parts of the world. This could redefine the way energy is produced and consumed globally.
This discovery is not just a significant milestone for France but also holds the potential to revolutionize the global energy landscape.