Understanding the potential of hydrogen
Comminges native
The Hydrogeco Project
Hydrogeco (Hydrogène géologique du Comminges) is a project led by the French company Mantle8 in the Pyrenean foothills.
Its objective is to better understand the geological characteristics of the subsoil in the Comminges region, to assess its potential for natural hydrogen and to study the conditions under which this resource could be produced.
Specifically, the Hydrogeco project aims to analyse the functioning of the geological system as a whole: from the mechanisms of natural hydrogen formation at depth to its migration and eventual accumulation in geological reservoirs.
Our teams are carrying out this work in a responsible manner, with careful consideration for environmental, regional and socio-economic issues. The project also involves ongoing dialogue with local stakeholders, in order to inform, listen to and involve the various parties concerned throughout its progress.
The area of exploration (PER)
On 31 March 2026, the company Mantle8 was granted an Exclusive Research Permit (PER) for native hydrogen, helium and related substances, known as the Comminges permit.
A PER is an authorisation issued by the French state in accordance with the Mining Code, which allows an operator to conduct research activities on a given resource, within a defined geographical area and for a limited duration.
Dans le cas du permis Comminges, ce permis a été instruit par les services compétents de l’État, notamment la Direction générale de l’Énergie et du Climat (DGEC), la Direction régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement (DREAL) Occitanie et la Direction générale de l’Aménagement, du Logement et de la Nature (DGALN). Il est accordé pour une durée de cinq ans, renouvelable jusqu’à deux fois.
A PER does not allow industrial production. It only governs research and data acquisition activities, carried out under the supervision of the competent authorities.
The origin of the project
Hydrogeco s’inscrit dans la continuité de plusieurs années de travaux scientifiques menés par les équipes Mantle8 to better understand the Pyrenees, their geological history and the conditions that could favour the formation of natural hydrogen.
Through the study of deep geological processes and the role of the upper mantle, our scientific teams have identified a promising natural energy potential in this area.
Today, the Hydrogeco project allows us to extend this knowledge out in the field, in the heart of the Comminges region.
2014
First studies on the Pyrenean mantle led by Emmanuel Masini, geologist and founder of Mantle8
2024
Filing of the application for the granting of the PER and start of its processing by the French authorities
2025
Launch of the first geoscientific operations: passive seismic, soil gas survey...
2025
Horex® pilote :
First tomographic images of the complete system
31 March 2026
Award of the PER Comminges by the French State