Natural hydrogen: Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY obtain two licenses
to explore its potential in South-West of France
Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY obtain two licenses to explore the potential of natural hydrogen in South-West of France
Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY are pleased to announce the award of two natural hydrogen exploration licenses: “Grand Rieu” and “Marensin”, marking a new step in the development of the natural hydrogen sector in France.
Following preliminary field studies carried out between 2021 and 2022 as part of the H2NA research project, co-financed by the French Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, and in partnership with several academic and industrial institutions, Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY jointly filed two exploration license applications in 2023 with the French General Department for Energy and Climate (Direction Générale de l’Energie et du Climat).
On March 29, 2025, the two licenses have been granted by ministerial decree and publication in the French Official Bulletin, for a period of 5 years.
The Grand Rieu and Marensin projects are part of a dynamic to develop a natural hydrogen industry in the French region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, thus actively contributing to the development of the region’s economic activity while contributing to its energy transition.
MARENSIN License - 691 km2 - Landes - Granted by ministerial decree of 21/02/2025, published in the French Official Bulletin in 29/03/2025
13 municipalities concerned:
Bias, Castets, Léon, Lesperon, Lévignacq, Linxe, Lit-et-Mixe, Mézos, Saint-Julien-en-Born, Saint-Michel-Escalus, Taller, Uza, Vielle-Saint-Girons
PER GRAND-RIEU - 266 km2 - Pyrénées Atlantiques - Granted by ministerial decree of 21/02/2025, published in the French Official Bulletin in 29/03/2025
36 municipalities concerned:
Ainharp, Angous, Aren, Aroue-Ithorots-Olhaïby, Arrast-Larrebieu, Barcus, Berrogain-Laruns, Charre, Charritte-de-Bas, Chéraute, Dognen, Domezain-Berraute, Espès-Undurein, Esquiule, Géronce, Geüs-d’Oloron, Gurs, Jasses, Lay-Lamidou, Ledeuix, L’Hôpital-Saint-Blaize, Lohitzun-Oyhercq, Lucq-de-Béarn, Moncayolle-Larrory-Mendibieu, Moumour, Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Orin, Poey-d’Oloron, Préchacq-Josbaig, Préchacq-Navarrenx, Roquiague, Saint-Goin, Saucède, Sus, Verdets et Viodos-Abense-de-Bas.
A decisive initial exploratory phase
Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY are joining their subsurface expertise to deepen geological knowledge of the area and confirm its natural hydrogen potential.
In the coming months, the teams will focus on reprocessing and analyzing existing geological and geophysical data. This will be followed by the acquisition of new data, such as gravimetry, passive seismic and the measurement of hydrogen concentration in the ground. These studies, which will have no impact on the environment or local residents, will enable to better understand the structure of the subsurface and identify the most suitable areas for in-depth, targeted exploration. These steps are essential to validate current hypotheses and envisage natural hydrogen production in the medium term.
Transparent communication with stakeholders
Aware of the importance of transparent, continuous dialogue with local stakeholders, Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY are committed to maintaining close communication throughout the implementation phase of the work program planned for the two licenses.
Several meetings have already been held with local elected representatives to present the projects.
Natural hydrogen: a complementary solution to the low-carbon hydrogen mix
Natural hydrogen, produced naturally underground, represents a promising resource for the low-carbon hydrogen mix. The production of this carbon-free molecule makes it a key asset for the energy and ecological transition. The development of a natural hydrogen industry will contribute to the decarbonization of the region’s industries and heavy mobility by guaranteeing access to low-carbon, competitive and sovereign hydrogen.
About
Storengy, an ENGIE subsidiary, is one of the world leaders in underground natural gas storage. The company has 21 natural gas storage sites in France, Germany and the UK. Storengy is also a key player in renewable gases. With 70 years’ experience in subsurface exploration and exploitation, and in response to the current energy challenges of decarbonization and sovereignty, Storengy is today mobilizing its skills in the development of hydrogen storage infrastructures and the exploration of natural hydrogen with research and development projects initiated in 2016.
Press contact for Storengy: Rumeur Publique - +33(6) 46 54 94 51 – storengypresse@rumeurpublique.fr
About
A pioneer in Europe, 45-8 ENERGY is a company dedicated to the exploration, production and distribution of eco-responsible industrial gases, natural hydrogen and helium. The company’s ambition is to meet the growing need for strategic resources in a context of ecological transition and the absolute necessity of decarbonizing our energy mix and uses. With 7 helium and natural hydrogen exploration licenses in 3 countries, and several proprietary technologies, 45-8 ENERGY is actively contributing to the emergence of this
promising sector of the future.
45-8 ENERGY contact: Lola RICHIR - +33(7) 57 81 82 85 – lola@458energy.com