France uncovers $92 billion hydrogen reserve in Moselle

France has found a huge reserve of natural hydrogen, estimated at 46 million tons and valued at $92 billion, in the Moselle region. This discovery could change the world of clean energy by providing a carbon-free fuel source that does not produce harmful emissions. The hydrogen was found by scientists at the GeoRessources laboratory and CNRS while searching for methane. Instead of methane, they uncovered this naturally occurring hydrogen about 4,101 feet below the surface in Folschviller. This new type of hydrogen is referred to as "white hydrogen" and is seen as a cleaner alternative to gray hydrogen, which is produced using fossil fuels. Experts believe that the 46 million tons of this natural hydrogen could replace over half of the world's current gray hydrogen production, but without the environmental impacts. This makes it one of the biggest energy discoveries in recent history. The hydrogen industry has faced challenges, such as the high costs of producing green hydrogen and the environmental damage from gray hydrogen. White hydrogen addresses these issues. It can be accessed directly from the ground, avoiding the costly processes of producing hydrogen from water or fossil fuels. The discovery places the Lorraine region, which has a history of coal and steel production, at the forefront of a new energy landscape. Economists expect this new resource to create thousands of jobs and strengthen France's energy independence, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. Researchers emphasize the need for effective methods to extract and utilize this natural hydrogen. Understanding its full potential could provide valuable assistance in combating climate change.