Catalytic Discovery: France Unveils Massive ‘White Hydrogen’ Reserve, Paving the Way for Global Energy Transformation

White hydrogen is naturally produced in the Earth’s crust and is considered a potential clean energy. Unlike other forms of hydrogen, white hydrogen only produces water when it is burned, making it an exceptionally clean energy source with enormous potential. It  has been named ‘white’ since the “production doesn’t generate greenhouse gases.”

A recent CNN report unveiled a groundbreaking find in France with the discovery of a substantial reserve of ‘White Hydrogen,’ potentially heralding a global revolution. While initially in search of fossil fuels in northeastern France, scientists Jacques Pironon and Phillipe De Donato stumbled upon this significant deposit, which boasted a hydrogen concentration 20% higher than anticipated at a depth of 1,250 meters. The estimated scale of the deposit ranges from 6 million to 250 million metric tons, hinting at its vast potential. Moreover, the versatility of white hydrogen presents a cleaner alternative across diverse applications.

White hydrogen reservoirs have also been identified in locations such as Russia, Oman, France, Mali, and various other regions. Specialists suggest that on a global scale, the potential quantity of white hydrogen could reach tens of billions of tons.

Numerous startups are currently delving into the commercialization of white hydrogen. Nevertheless, the full-scale development of this resource is anticipated to span approximately two centuries. Additional challenges include regulatory impediments and production expenses. At present, the estimated production cost of white hydrogen hovers around $1 per kilogram, in contrast to $6 per kilogram for green hydrogen.