Massive Natural Hydrogen Deposit Found Under Belgium, France & Germany

A substantial natural hydrogen deposit has been discovered beneath France and Belgium, potentially representing about one-third of the world’s annual hydrogen consumption, according to estimates. The uncover, located across parts of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, is considered particularly significant due to its size and proximity to European industrial centers. Jan Rongé, CEO of Solhyd, a Belgian company specializing in solar-to-hydrogen technology, described the discovery as “really significant” and “quite exceptional,” noting it’s the largest such deposit identified to date with a reasonable degree of certainty.

The Scale of the Discovery

The estimated 34 million tonnes of hydrogen represent approximately a third of global annual demand. Rongé cautions, however, that the actual amount that can be extracted remains uncertain, pending further technical and economic feasibility studies. The discovery comes as Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Currently, most hydrogen production relies on steam methane reforming, a process that generates carbon dioxide. Natural hydrogen, if extracted efficiently, offers a potentially carbon-free alternative.

Solhyd, founded by Rongé alongside Johan Martens and Tom Bosserez, initially developed a prototype solar panel capable of producing green hydrogen from sunlight and ambient moisture. Their work, originating from research at KU Leuven university, focuses on a decentralized approach to hydrogen production, bypassing the need for large-scale infrastructure and grid connections. The company recently received the World Hydrogen Award in May 2025, recognizing its innovative approach to affordable and scalable green hydrogen production. The award was presented at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam, the largest event of its kind globally.

Challenges and Considerations

While the discovery is promising, significant hurdles remain before the hydrogen can be commercially viable. Extraction techniques for natural hydrogen are still under development, and potential environmental impacts need careful assessment. Concerns include potential ground subsidence, instability, refining challenges, leakage risks, and broader environmental consequences. These factors are highlighted in reporting by Le Morgen, which details the complexities associated with such a large-scale project. The article emphasizes the need to address these potential downsides alongside the benefits.

Implications for Belgium and Europe

Although the majority of the deposit lies within French territory, Belgium stands to benefit from its proximity and existing petrochemical expertise. The country’s established chemical industry could play a key role in processing and utilizing the extracted hydrogen. The discovery has already prompted calls for Belgium to actively participate in exploration and development efforts. In June 2025, following the initial announcement of the French deposit, Les Engagés, a Belgian political party, urged the Walloon region to relaunch mineral exploration. Party president Yvan Verougstraete argued that Belgium “cannot remain a spectator” and advocated for a national mapping and surveying campaign of its subsurface.

A Shift in the Hydrogen Landscape

Solhyd’s technology, which produces hydrogen directly from sunlight and air without requiring liquid water or grid electricity, offers a complementary approach to natural hydrogen extraction. The company’s modular hydrogen modules are designed for scalability and cost-effectiveness, addressing some of the challenges associated with traditional hydrogen production methods. This technology is particularly relevant in a world increasingly focused on decentralized and renewable energy sources. The industry is moving away from complex, always-on infrastructure towards standardization, modularity, and lower-cost renewable energy, which isn’t always consistently available.

What’s Next: Exploration and Assessment

The immediate next steps involve detailed geological surveys and pilot extraction projects to assess the feasibility of large-scale hydrogen recovery. The French government, in collaboration with Franҫaise de l’Energie (FDE), the company leading the REGALOR II project – a drilling initiative to characterize the hydrogen resource – will likely initiate a comprehensive evaluation of the deposit’s potential. The REGALOR II project, which includes a drilling site in Pontpierre, France, represents a “world first” in deep drilling to confirm the presence of natural hydrogen. Belgium will likely coordinate with France and other neighboring countries to develop a joint strategy for exploring and potentially exploiting the shared resource. The timeline for commercial production remains uncertain, but initial assessments and pilot projects are expected to take several years.