In the 1990s, natural gas reserves were largely ignored and not regarded as a commercially viable energy resource. Today, however, a new energy carrier is emerging to replace underground gas—one that experts cautiously refer to as “humanity’s last fuel.” It forms naturally when underground water interacts with rock formations and is stored in the traps between them. This resource could potentially supply the planet with energy for thousands of years. It exists everywhere: on the ocean floor and even on other planets.

Recently, scientists have discovered massive deposits of natural hydrogen—also known as “white hydrogen” or “golden hydrogen”—in an old coal basin in Lorraine, France. As drilling progressed, the quantity of hydrogen increased with depth, reaching 950 meters. According to estimates, this area may contain one of the largest hydrogen deposits in Europe, and possibly the world, reports Eco Portal and Al Arabiya Business. Surprisingly, contrary to previous assumptions, this gas does not escape but remains trapped in natural reservoirs.

Natural hydrogen differs from “green hydrogen,” which is produced through complex industrial processes using renewable energy. In this case, there is no need for costly technologies or carbon emissions—simple drilling and extraction are sufficient, making it an economical and environmentally friendly option.

And this is not limited to France: similar discoveries have been made in Mali, Australia, Spain, and the United States, leading scientists to believe that the Earth has been producing hydrogen for millions of years, with these hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.

Preliminary estimates suggest that global natural hydrogen reserves amount to trillions of cubic meters. Even more intriguing is the fact that this fuel may be self-replenishing, making it one of the few virtually inexhaustible energy sources.

If this hypothesis is confirmed, natural hydrogen could become the cheapest and most sustainable fuel, paving the way for a global energy revolution that reduces emissions and transforms the economy.

According to scientists, a clean, accessible, and inexpensive energy source could become the key to realizing humanity’s long-held dream of fully moving away from fossil fuels.