Hybrid Wells Test Europe's Hydrogen Future

France and Spain pilot dual-use drilling in a bid to cut costs of natural hydrogen exploration

28 Aug 2025

Europe's search for natural hydrogen has entered a trial phase, with operators testing whether combining hydrogen sampling with existing gas projects can reduce exploration costs. The approach, still at an early stage, aims to avoid the expense of stand-alone wells and provide faster insights into underground reserves.

In France, La Française de l'Énergie has broadened a €15mn programme in Lorraine, initially focused on coal-methane, to include hydrogen. By combining objectives, the company aims to spread financial risk while collecting data on potential deposits. Analysts say the "attach and learn" model could accelerate understanding of Europe's hydrogen resources, though commercial viability remains uncertain.

Spain's Helios Aragón has announced plans to drill appraisal wells in Huesca and Monzón in the second half of 2025, also including hydrogen in its geological surveys. Service groups such as Viridien are developing detection tools, but only a handful of concrete projects are moving forward.

Proponents argue that hybrid drilling could give established operators an advantage by reusing existing permits, rigs and local relationships. If costs prove manageable, natural hydrogen could complement renewable hydrogen, which remains vulnerable to fluctuating electricity prices. Policymakers view the approach as a possible, though untested, way to expand Europe's clean energy mix.

Sceptics warn of risks. Linking hydrogen exploration to fossil-fuel projects could blur the line between low-carbon goals and legacy production. Others suggest that relying on hybrid wells might postpone investment in dedicated hydrogen infrastructure, slowing progress towards large-scale deployment.

For now, the concept is limited to a few pilots. Results from Lorraine and Aragón are expected to provide some of the first concrete data on underground hydrogen reserves and their economics. Until then, Europe's efforts remain defined by cautious experimentation rather than commercial breakthrough.