Lorraine's white hydrogen: A $92 billion (£69 billion) clean energy revolution
In Lorraine, located in the east of France, deposits of so-called white hydrogen have been discovered, estimated at 92 million tonnes and valued at 92 billion dollars (69 billion pounds) . The region, long associated with the coal and steel industries, may reinvent itself as a centre of clean energy, according to "Forbes".
The magazine noted in its March article that it was long believed hydrogen did not exist in large, accessible, free underground deposits. Most hydrogen is found bound in compounds such as water or hydrocarbons. Today, it is mainly extracted from the reforming of methane, a process that uses natural gas as a raw material and generates a considerable amount of carbon dioxide.
However, it appears that natural hydrogen deposits, known as white hydrogen due to the simplicity of obtaining it, do exist in France. Scientists first encountered these deposits while examining abandoned mines in Lorraine in May 2023. Another significant find was made in March 2025 in the same region, specifically in the Moselle department. It is estimated that the two deposits contain 92 million tonnes of hydrogen, worth 92 billion dollars (69 billion pounds), according to "Forbes".
The magazine explains that the reason hydrogen is gaining significant interest as an energy source is that during its combustion, it produces water vapour as the only substantial emission. White hydrogen represents a potentially extremely clean energy source, provided it can be extracted and utilised without carbon dioxide emissions.
The discovery could have long-term effects
Currently, there is not yet proven technology to extract this white hydrogen. However, if developed, the impact on the region could be groundbreaking, according to "Forbes". As the magazine explains, Lorraine, situated on the border with Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg and long associated with the coal and steel industries, may revitalise itself as a hub of clean energy. White hydrogen could also enhance France's energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, the article suggests.
The discovery has generated excitement well beyond France. Geologists and energy companies globally are re-evaluating areas that were previously considered of little interest. Natural hydrogen could become a focus of exploration from Africa to the Americas. If even a fraction of these efforts yields results, 'white hydrogen' could become a significant player in the global energy mix, complementing renewable energy sources, displacing fossil fuels, and helping countries meet their climate commitments, as noted by the magazine.
