The French Ministry for the Energy Transition has authorized two exclusive research permits (PER) for natural hydrogen exploration, marking a notable shift in the country’s approach to low-carbon energy resources. The permits, granted to Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY, cover 266 km² in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Landes department. While the formal decrees were published on March 29, 2025, the groundwork for these projects—dubbed “Grand Rieu” and “Marensin”—began years earlier through preliminary research and regional scientific collaboration.
Data-Driven Approach to Exploration
The research permits to build on findings from the H2NA project (2021-2022), which was co-funded by the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY, in partnership with academic and industrial experts, conducted an initial assessment of the region’s subsurface hydrogen potential. The current exploration phase will rely on existing geological and geophysical data, including gravimetric surveys, passive seismic monitoring, and soil hydrogen concentration analyses. These methodologies aim to refine the understanding natural hydrogen occurrences and identify high-potential zones for further study.
Unlike the high-cost electrolysis or methane reforming processes dominating hydrogen production today, natural hydrogen presents a theoretical pathway to a more cost-effective, continuous, and carbon-free supply. However, key uncertainties remain: the quantity, purity, and commercial viability of these underground hydrogen deposits have yet to be proven at scale.
Local Engagement and Regulatory Landscape
With a combined footprint across 49 municipalities, the projects necessitate direct engagement with local stakeholders. Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY have initiated discussions with elected officials, aiming to integrate municipal concerns into project planning. Public sentiment around natural hydrogen extraction remains mixed, particularly given past opposition to oil and gas drilling in France. The challenge will be maintaining transparency while navigating regulatory scrutiny and potential resistance from environmental advocacy groups.
France’s policy landscape is evolving in parallel. Unlike the United States and Australia, where natural hydrogen exploration has seen increasing policy support, France has yet to define a comprehensive regulatory framework for this resource. The issuance of these permits signals a cautious but significant step toward integrating natural hydrogen into the country’s broader energy strategy.
Industrial Implications and Economic Viability
Should substantial reserves be confirmed, the implications for France’s hydrogen economy could be significant. Natural hydrogen, if found in commercially viable quantities, could be integrated into existing infrastructure to support heavy industry and transport. Hydrogen pipeline networks, currently being developed for green and blue hydrogen, could potentially accommodate natural sources, provided the necessary processing and transport mechanisms are in place.
Economic feasibility remains the linchpin of this effort. The cost advantage of natural hydrogen over conventional hydrogen production will depend on extraction efficiencies, scalability, and regulatory incentives. Early-stage estimates suggest that if extraction can be streamlined, natural hydrogen could undercut electrolysis-based production, which currently ranges from €3 to €8 per kilogram depending on energy inputs and carbon pricing.
Outlook: A Strategic Bet with Uncertain Returns
France’s decision to approve these permits reflects a growing recognition that natural hydrogen could complement existing hydrogen strategies rather than compete with them. However, whether the Nouvelle-Aquitaine projects yield tangible results will depend on the next five years of research and testing. The coming phases will not only determine the extent of hydrogen reserves but also shape France’s long-term policy stance on this emerging resource.
For now, Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY find themselves at the forefront of an industry still searching for definitive proof of concept. If successful, their findings could place France among the few nations actively pursuing natural hydrogen as a viable component of the energy transition.
