Mantle8, Hydrogen Europe Seek €1B for Natural Hydrogen Exploration

European natural hydrogen developer Mantle8 and Hydrogen Europe have called on the European Commission to establish a €1 billion exploration program to assess the commercial potential of naturally occurring hydrogen. The proposal, backed by 34 organizations across the energy, industrial and investment sectors, aims to support approximately 50 exploration and appraisal wells across at least 10 EU member states. The open letter was presented to European Commission representatives on 28 October 2026 during European Hydrogen Week in Brussels, with Mantle8 publishing a further update on 6 November.

 

Natural hydrogen is generated through geological processes and can accumulate in underground reservoirs, potentially providing a domestic low-carbon energy source without conventional hydrogen production methods. However, its commercial viability remains uncertain, with questions surrounding reservoir productivity, recoverability and extraction economics. The coalition argues that clearer regulations and dedicated exploration funding are needed to determine whether the resource can contribute to Europe's energy transition. In 2024, imports accounted for 57% of the EU's energy needs, while fossil fuel imports cost approximately €340 billion in 2025.

 

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The proposed €1 billion program would support geological assessments, exploration drilling, flow testing and pilot production, alongside infrastructure for hydrogen separation and purification. The organizations are also requesting clearer exploration rights, with applications processed within six months, improved access to publicly funded geological data and the development of a European natural hydrogen atlas. They want the revised EU Hydrogen Strategy to recognize natural hydrogen as a distinct resource and provide access to certification and support mechanisms based on lifecycle emissions performance.

 

The European Commission has already initiated research efforts, including the €2 million H2-QUEST project and a 12-month pilot led by its Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). However, the coalition argues that research alone will not establish a commercially viable exploration industry. It points to developments in the United States, Brazil, Canada and the Philippines, where governments have introduced funding, legal recognition or permitting arrangements for geological hydrogen.

 

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Emmanuel Masini, Founder and CEO of Mantle8, said, "We initiated this letter because Europe needs to give natural hydrogen a fair opportunity to be explored."

The proposal comes as the European Commission reviews its hydrogen policy, with a consultation on the renewed EU Hydrogen Strategy opening on 26 October 2026. The consultation is scheduled to close on 23 November. The €1 billion exploration program remains an industry proposal rather than an approved EU funding commitment, and its implementation would depend on regulatory decisions, financing arrangements and evidence of commercially recoverable hydrogen resources.

 

Source: Mantle8