France Expands Natural Hydrogen Push as Mantle8 Secures Exclusive Pyrenees Exploration Permit
France has strengthened its commitment to natural hydrogen development after awarding an exclusive five-year exploration permit to Mantle8 for a 739-square-kilometre area in the Pyrenees, marking one of the most significant government-backed steps yet in the emerging sector.
The permit, granted to Mantle8’s subsidiary G&OL SAS under the “Permis de Comminges” licence, authorises the company to carry out geophysical surveys and other exploration work across parts of Haute-Garonne and Hautes-Pyrénées in south-western France. The approval, published in April 2026, followed a formal review process involving public consultation and regional authority assessment.
The licence allows Mantle8 to progress from early-stage exploration towards identifying potential natural hydrogen and helium reservoirs, with future drilling subject to additional regulatory approval. It signals growing institutional interest in naturally occurring hydrogen systems as France and other European countries seek domestic low-carbon energy sources.
Alongside the permit award, Mantle8 has launched its Hydrogeco project, which aims to integrate geological research, technical partners, infrastructure stakeholders and potential industrial offtakers into a coordinated exploration and development framework. The project is designed to support the progression of natural hydrogen resources from early surveying through to possible commercial development.
Mantle8 said its approach is based on advanced subsurface imaging technology, including proprietary geophysical methods used in previous studies of hydrogen-generating geological systems. The company reported earlier success in mapping what it described as an active underground hydrogen system in the region, which helped support its permit application.
The company has already begun geophysical surveys across the licensed area to better understand subsurface structures and identify zones with the highest potential for hydrogen accumulation. These results will be used to prioritise future drilling targets.
The Hydrogeco project is also being developed as a regional initiative, with Mantle8 emphasising engagement with local authorities, environmental groups and community stakeholders. The company said its goal is to ensure the project delivers local economic value while maintaining transparency throughout the exploration process.
Mantle8 recently raised €31 million in Series A funding, alongside additional European Union support, bringing total investment in the company to approximately €37 million. The funding will support expansion of its exploration programme and preparation for future drilling campaigns, subject to regulatory approval.
Natural hydrogen, formed through ongoing geological processes such as serpentinisation in iron-rich rock formations, is attracting increasing attention as a potential low-energy alternative to conventional hydrogen production. Unlike electrolysis-based methods, it does not require external electricity inputs, making it an area of interest for companies seeking lower-cost hydrogen sources.
While still at an early stage of exploration, the French permit is seen as a further signal that natural hydrogen is moving closer to systematic evaluation in Europe, with governments beginning to establish formal regulatory pathways for its development.
