La Française de l'Énergie Confirms Record Natural Hydrogen Concentrations in Lorraine

Hydrogen Concentrations Among the Highest Ever Measured

The results from the PTH-2 well, drilled to a depth of 3,655 meters as part of the REGALOR II program, confirm the presence of exceptionally high natural hydrogen concentrations beyond 2,000 meters. The data collected add to initial observations made at Folschviller, where dissolved hydrogen concentrations had reached nearly 20% at 1,200 meters deep. These results rank among the highest concentrations of natural hydrogen ever measured in situ globally and enhance the economic appeal of the resource. The analyses also corroborate the existence of a potentially very extensive active hydrogen production system across the Moselle basin, with concentrations increasing significantly with depth.

SYSMOG Successfully Tested Under Extreme Conditions

FDE and its partner Solexperts have successfully deployed the SYSMOG membrane separation probe under the extreme physicochemical conditions encountered at depths up to 3,000 meters. This technological success provides a robust methodology for accurately detecting, quantifying, and sampling dissolved hydrogen in deep geological environments. This advancement solidifies FDE's position as a technological leader in the emerging natural hydrogen sector.

Resource Certification and Planned Start in 2028-2029

The group is concurrently advancing the REGALOR II program and working on the 'Trois Évêchés' Exclusive Research Permit, which covers an area of 2,254 km² in Eastern France. FDE aims to certify the resources in 2027 and to start the production of natural hydrogen by the end of 2028 or beginning of 2029. In parallel, geoscience studies are ongoing across the entire permit area to assess the extent of the hydrogen system, estimate its overall potential, and determine recovery factors. Each step taken contributes to reducing the geological, technological, and industrial risks associated with developing this type of production.