Imagine a natural resource capable of fueling entire industries, eliminating tons of carbon emissions, and generating billions for the economy. Now, consider that it’s not in the hands of traditional oil powers, nor hidden in the desert or on offshore platforms. We’re talking about something that doesn’t need to be manufactured using expensive or polluting processes, because it already exists, ready to be used. This is the kind of discovery that, when revealed, can make headlines around the world.
The energy race narrows: clean hope or costly illusions?
For decades, the search for alternatives to fossil fuels has followed two primary paths: reducing the use of pollutants and increasing the use of renewable energy sources. In this scenario, one element gained traction as a promising candidate for powering everything from cars to factories, without releasing CO₂ in its end use. The problem is that not all types of this element are created equal; they can be:
- Gray: Produced from natural gas or coal, it releases large amounts of CO₂.
- Green: Produced by electrolysis using renewable energy, it is clean but very expensive.
- White: Occurs naturally underground, ready to be extracted without complex industrial processes and at a much lower cost.
And here we come to the big revelation: hydrogen. France has just discovered the largest deposit of white hydrogen ever recorded, valued at a staggering $92 billion. This reserve, discovered in the Moselle region, contains 46 million tons of the fuel, more than half the global annual production of gray hydrogen, but without the harmful emissions that come with it.
From coal’s shadow to a cleaner future
Yes, France has never been seen as a country rich in oil or gas. But now, with white hydrogen, it can achieve something even more valuable: energy independence and a leading role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Studies indicate that by 2050, hydrogen could represent 20% of national energy demand, generating around €40 billion per year and creating more than 150,000 jobs.
Going into more detail, the discovery took place in Lorraine, a region historically known for its coal and steel production. Today, these activities are in decline, but hydrogen could completely transform the local future. Instead of polluting mines, centers for the extraction of clean energy. This discovery also stands out because, unlike green hydrogen, white hydrogen is already ready underground. This means:
- Production is up to 3 times cheaper than grey hydrogen.
- Zero CO₂ emissions in the extraction process.
- Ability to supply high-energy consumption sectors, such as steelmaking and heavy-duty transportation, cleanly and continuously.
By comparison, it’s like finding oil in the 20th century, but with the advantage of not destroying the planet in the process (so much so that even Dubai has forgotten its oil). In other words, in addition to revitalizing regional economies, the exploration of white hydrogen could drastically reduce France’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, a critical point in times of geopolitical instability.
The future of power hangs in balance
And this isn’t just good news for France. White hydrogen exists elsewhere, and confirmation of this massive reserve could spark a new international race to locate and exploit similar deposits. Projections indicate that hydrogen could jump from 1% to 25% of the global energy. However, challenges still lie ahead, such as ensuring safe and environmentally responsible extraction methods; avoiding disruptions to natural underground cycles.
And developing infrastructure for large-scale transportation and storage. However, if successful, this transition could not only reduce global emissions but also redefine power relations in the energy sector, something not seen since the rise of oil at the beginning of the last century. It’s no wonder we already have a device that generates 500kg/day of hydrogen at home.
