The European Federation of Geologists (EFG) has joined Hydrogen Europe and 32 other organisations in co-signing an open letter to the European Commission, calling for the explicit recognition of natural hydrogen in the forthcoming revision of the EU Hydrogen Strategy.
The letter was presented during European Hydrogen Week in Brussels on 28 October 2026. It highlights the potential of naturally occurring hydrogen as a domestic low-carbon energy resource and calls for a coordinated European approach to assessing its geological and commercial viability.
Recognising the potential of natural hydrogen
Natural hydrogen is generated through geological processes beneath the Earth’s surface and can accumulate in underground reservoirs. Unlike hydrogen produced using electricity or fossil fuels, it occurs naturally and could offer an additional domestic energy source, provided it can be recovered safely, economically and at scale.
While its commercial potential remains unproven, further geological research, exploration and investment could help establish its possible contribution to Europe’s energy security, industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation objectives.
The signatories emphasise the need to move beyond research and mapping towards a framework that enables systematic exploration and informed investment decisions.
Key recommendations to the European Commission
The open letter calls for the explicit inclusion of natural hydrogen in the revised EU Hydrogen Strategy and the 2026 Energy Union package, alongside four priorities:
- Regulatory recognition: Establish a technology-neutral framework that recognises natural hydrogen based on its lifecycle emissions performance.
- Exploration investment: Mobilise a proposed €1 billion programme to support exploration and appraisal activities across at least 10 EU Member States.
- Predictable permitting: Introduce clearer and more transparent exploration permitting procedures to reduce uncertainty and encourage investment.
- Access to geological data: Improve access to publicly funded subsurface information and develop a European natural hydrogen atlas to support exploration and resource assessment.
The role of geoscience in Europe’s energy future
EFG’s support for the initiative highlights the importance of geological knowledge and professional expertise in assessing emerging subsurface energy resources.
Geologists have an essential role in identifying prospective geological formations, evaluating resource potential, understanding subsurface conditions and supporting responsible exploration.
As the EU considers the future of its hydrogen strategy, robust geological evidence and collaboration between policymakers, researchers and industry will be essential to determining whether natural hydrogen can contribute to Europe’s long-term energy objectives.
Read the full open letter: Europe Must Explore the Natural Hydrogen Opportunity
