Permit granted for sustainable ‘white’ hydrogen search at French site

A search for usable reserves of natural hydrogen, also known as ‘white’ hydrogen, has been given the go-ahead in 43 communes in Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

White hydrogen, formed by the action of acid water on iron carbonate-rich rocks, has been known as a geological curiosity.

As governments seek to end reliance on fossil fuels, however, there is renewed interest in exploiting it commercially.

President Macron has promised “massive” financing for explorations, saying “France can become one of the pioneers in this energy of the future”.