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36 min ago 2 min read
French start-up Mantle8 is set to begin piloting natural hydrogen detection and quantification technologies in the Pyrenees after securing a five-year exploration permit from the French government.
The five-year natural hydrogen and helium permit covers a 739km2 area in the mountain range where it previously detected the presence of an “active hydrogen generating source” that replenishes sealed reservoirs.
The permit will allow the firm to conduct geophysical surveys ahead of seeking final approval to start drilling.
Natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, is formed by natural geological processes within the Earth’s crust, where it can accumulate and continue to be generated over time.
Under the Hydrogeco demonstration project, Mantle8 aims to characterise and quantify natural hydrogen resources and validate its detection and quantification technologies.
To date, the company has not indicated estimated hydrogen volumes, reservoir sizes, expected production rates, or economic assessments.
It said it will work with research institutions, technical partners, transportation operators, and downstream offtakers in the hope of commercially developing the site.
Last month, Mantle8 in Series A funding to finance exploration and drilling programmes.
Natural hydrogen is garnering increasing attention for its potential to offer low-cost sources of clean hydrogen. Since 2020, the number of exploration companies has grown to over 40 from just a handful.
Many claim wellhead production costs could be about 50% lower than grey hydrogen production.
However, natural hydrogen remains nascent, with extraction technologies still undetermined. While proponents suggest existing oil and gas technologies and processes could be used, .
