Hidden clean energy under mountains? Why erosion could shape hydrogen prospects in Alps and Pyrenees

Scientists find Europe's mountains could be hiding clean hydrogen

Europe’s mountains, long celebrated for tourism and ski slopes, may soon be famous for what lies beneath them. A new international study reveals that rock erosion plays a critical yet ambivalent role in the formation and accumulation of natural hydrogen beneath mountain ranges. The study was led by the University of Lausanne (Unil) and the GFZ Helmholtz Center for Geosciences. Building on 2025 research, this study confirms that the Pyrenees and …

Hidden clean energy under mountains? Why erosion could shape hydrogen prospects in Alps and Pyrenees

Hydrogen gas formed by natural processes in the subsurface of mountain ranges could represent a promising source of clean energy. A new international study led by Unil and GFZ shows that erosion plays a key and complex role in the formation and accumulation of this natural resource. The research confirms that the Pyrenees and the Alps could constitute key targets for natural hydrogen exploration.

New study links erosion to natural hydrogen potential in mountain ranges

Hydrogen gas formed by natural processes in the subsurface of mountain ranges could represent a promising source of clean energy. A new international study led by Unil and GFZ shows that erosion plays a key and complex role in the formation and accumulation of this natural resource. This research confirms that the Pyrenees and the Alps could constitute key targets for natural hydrogen exploration. What if mountain ranges such as the Alps or the …