Europe’s search for new clean energy resources is driving interest in emerging technologies that can identify untapped natural hydrogen reserves beneath the Earth’s surface. In a move aimed at accelerating research in this field, European natural hydrogen exploration company Mantle8 has secured a €2.06 million grant from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund to further develop its technology platform in Grenoble.
The funding will support the advancement of Mantle8’s scientific and technological capabilities as the company works to build tools that can identify potential natural hydrogen resources and analyse geological systems capable of producing hydrogen underground. The initiative forms part of broader European efforts to support innovative energy technologies that could contribute to future low carbon energy systems.
Developing technologies for natural hydrogen exploration
Mantle8 was founded in 2024 by Emmanuel Masini with the objective of translating geoscience research into practical exploration technologies for natural hydrogen resources. Natural hydrogen refers to hydrogen that is generated through geological processes within the Earth’s crust rather than produced industrially through conventional energy intensive methods.
Interest in natural hydrogen has grown in recent years as scientists explore the possibility that significant underground reserves may exist in certain geological environments. If these resources can be identified and extracted efficiently, they could provide a low emission source of hydrogen that supports the global energy transition.
Mantle8 is developing a technology platform that combines geoscience research, subsurface imaging and modelling tools to identify areas where natural hydrogen may accumulate. By analysing geological formations and chemical processes beneath the surface, the company aims to improve the accuracy of exploration and reduce the uncertainty associated with locating hydrogen generating systems.
Building on Grenoble’s geoscience expertise
The company’s research activities are closely connected to the long standing geoscience expertise found in Grenoble and the surrounding Auvergne Rhône Alpes region. The area has a strong tradition of geological and environmental research, making it a suitable base for advancing natural hydrogen exploration technologies.
Mantle8’s programme seeks to transform scientific knowledge developed through academic research into scalable technologies that can be used by the energy industry. The company has already secured several exploration permits linked to geological structures that may contain natural hydrogen reservoirs.
While exploration activities remain at an early stage globally, Mantle8 aims to position itself as a technology provider capable of supporting the discovery and development of natural hydrogen resources.
Expanding research infrastructure and pilot projects
The €2.06 million grant will support several initiatives designed to strengthen Mantle8’s research infrastructure and technical capabilities.
One of the key projects receiving support is the expansion of the HOREX pilot programme in the Comminges region. The pilot initiative focuses on studying geological environments that may generate hydrogen naturally and developing methods to evaluate these systems more effectively.
The funding will also enable the establishment of a new geochemistry laboratory in Grenoble known as APoGeH. This facility will be dedicated to analysing chemical signatures in subsurface samples and improving understanding of hydrogen generating reactions occurring within geological formations.
In addition to laboratory development, Mantle8 plans to upgrade its GeoLogix technology platform. The system is designed to improve subsurface imaging capabilities and help researchers map geological structures that may host natural hydrogen accumulations.
Advancing modelling and analytical tools
Another component of the programme involves the continued development of Mantle8’s Simul8 modelling platform. This digital tool is designed to simulate geological processes responsible for hydrogen generation and migration underground.
By combining geochemical data, geological mapping and advanced modelling, the platform aims to provide researchers with deeper insights into how hydrogen forms and accumulates in the Earth’s crust.
Improved modelling capabilities could help exploration teams identify promising areas for future hydrogen resource development while reducing the time and cost associated with traditional exploration methods.
Supporting regional research and recruitment
All activities supported through the Just Transition Fund grant will take place in Grenoble and across the wider Auvergne Rhône Alpes region. The programme will also enable Mantle8 to recruit specialised researchers and collaborate with strategic partners on techno economic studies related to natural hydrogen development.
Although the funding does not directly finance exploration campaigns, it is intended to accelerate the industrial readiness of the company’s technology platform. By improving exploration tools and scientific understanding, Mantle8 aims to make future natural hydrogen exploration efforts more precise and efficient.
As interest in alternative hydrogen sources continues to grow, the company hopes its research programme will contribute to unlocking a new category of clean energy resources while strengthening Europe’s technological capabilities in the emerging natural hydrogen sector.
