Mantle8 lands major EU backing for natural hydrogen exploration
French startup Mantle8, a specialist in natural hydrogen exploration, has secured a €2.06 million grant from the European Union’s Just Transition Fund. The fresh capital will help the company scale its search for naturally occurring hydrogen resources and support regions shifting away from fossil fuel–dependent industries.
Boosting Europe’s low-carbon energy transition
The funding aligns with the EU’s strategy to accelerate the deployment of low-carbon energy sources and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Natural hydrogen, sometimes called geologic hydrogen, is increasingly viewed as a promising complement to renewable power and green hydrogen produced from electrolysis.
By backing Mantle8, the EU aims to advance understanding of underground hydrogen systems, identify viable reservoirs, and assess the role this resource could play in future energy security and decarbonisation plans.
Scaling exploration technology and regional impact
The grant will enable Mantle8 to expand its exploration programs, refine its subsurface modelling tools, and deepen collaboration with local authorities in Europe’s industrial regions. These areas, many of which are undergoing economic restructuring, are a core focus of the Just Transition Fund, which supports projects that create sustainable jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
Advancing data-driven subsurface insights
The company is expected to invest in advanced geophysical surveys, geochemical analysis, and digital subsurface mapping techniques. By combining field data with proprietary models, Mantle8 aims to improve the accuracy of natural hydrogen prospecting and lower the overall risk profile of exploration campaigns.
As governments and investors search for scalable, low-impact energy solutions, the EU’s support for Mantle8 signals growing interest in natural hydrogen as a credible piece of Europe’s long-term energy transition puzzle.