A coalition of over 30 European energy organizations, led by Mantle8, has sent an open letter to the European Commission. The group urges the EU to establish a clear regulatory framework and launch a €1 billion exploration program for natural hydrogen.
The proposed funding aims to support the drilling and appraisal of approximately 50 wells across at least 10 EU Member States. The initiative was formally presented during the European Hydrogen Week in Brussels on 28 October.
The coalition identifies four key priorities: regulatory recognition, dedicated exploration funding, predictable permitting procedures, and improved access to public geological data. These measures are intended to reduce early-stage risks and determine the commercial viability of natural hydrogen deposits.
Mantle8, founded in 2019, utilizes geological analysis and subsurface data to locate hydrogen-generating reactions. The company is backed by investors including Sandwater, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and World Fund.
