Exploration and Evaluation of European Natural Hydrogen Potential

ongoing

The H2-QUEST project addresses the European Commission's goals for achieving a sustainable, secure and competitive energy supply by exploring the potential of natural hydrogen (H2) resources. By aligning with the HORIZON-JU-CLEANH2-2025-01-07 call, this initiative recognizes geological H2 as a cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional H2 production methods. H2-QUEST aims to overcome existing challenges related to the H2 generation rates, migration and accumulation mechanisms, interpreting confidently surface and subsurface data to ultimately identify commercially viable accumulation sites. Employing a comprehensive, integrated approach, the project utilizes multi-scale interdisciplinary observations to address key gaps in the natural H2 cycle, guided by recommendations from the International Energy Agency’s Technology Collaboration Program. The core objectives include evaluating geological, geochemical and microbiological processes governing H2 dynamics, enhancing the interpretation of surface exploration techniques and establishing methodologies to distinguish geological from non-geological H2. Targeted field campaigns in France, Romania, Italy and Spain will facilitate data acquisition and community engagement, crucial for effective exploration. H2-QUEST deliverables will include advanced models for H2 systems, exploration guidelines and a user-friendly online portal to assess the H2 potential across Europe. Moreover, the project emphasizes nurturing talent by prioritizing training for early-career researchers and supports industry partners experienced in H2 exploration, ensuring rapid knowledge transfer and application of project findings. Ultimately, H2-QUEST seeks to enhance European leadership in natural H2 exploration, contributing significantly to EU climate objectives and energy independence, while fostering a thriving research ecosystem geared towards sustainable solutions in the context of global energy transition challenges.