As the interest in natural hydrogen exploration rises, the French startup Mantel8 has stepped into the spotlight as a pioneer in utilizing advanced technology to discover this clean energy source. The company claims to have developed a unique technology that can accurately identify underground natural hydrogen locations—a first of its kind globally. Mantel8’s innovative method combines geophysical studies with geochemical data and seismic information, creating a comprehensive system capable of evaluating the quantity and quality of hydrogen reserves.
Founded with the vision to revolutionize hydrogen exploration, Mantel8 has ambitious goals, seeking to locate 10 million tons of natural hydrogen by 2030. The company recently caught the attention of notable investors, including Breakthrough Energy Ventures, led by Bill Gates, and Kiko Ventures, raising initial capital of 3.4 million euros (roughly 3.71 million USD) in their first funding round.
In an exclusive interview with Energy Platform, Emmanuel Massini, the founder and CEO of Mantel8, elaborated on the company's innovative exploration approach and long-term aspirations in the natural hydrogen sector. He explained that the technology employed by Mantel8 has undergone rigorous development over three years to enhance its efficacy in locating optimal geological sites.
“We focused on three main steps: determining the most suitable locations based on risk-free geological criteria, assessing the quality of hydrogen systems at those sites, and imaging the hydrogen systems to estimate extractable resources and their accessibility,” Massini noted.
Confirming their investment trajectory, the company has committed approximately one million euros (1.09 million USD) in research and development over the past three years. Following a successful funding round that wrapped up in December 2024, Mantel8 is poised to leverage this financial backing to advance its exploration capabilities.
When discussing the impact of having Breakthrough Energy Ventures as an investor, Massini stated, “So far, yes, it seems that having Breakthrough Energy Ventures as a primary investor makes us more appealing to others.” He emphasized that their partnership brings credibility due to Breakthrough's track record in the energy sector and their commitment to carbon neutrality through scientific advancements.
Mantle8 is not new to the hydrogen exploration game; it was formerly known as M&U, where they provided consulting services to other exploration companies. However, the transition to Mantel8 marks a new era for their exploration endeavors.
Massini also shared their ambitious pricing goal, intending to produce hydrogen at a cost of 0.80 euros (0.87 USD) per kilogram by 2028. “This is an ambitious target, but we believe it is achievable, primarily due to the anticipated global demand for hydrogen,” he explained. “If the world is moving towards hydrogen at some point, it must be through providing cheap, clean hydrogen capable of competing with gray hydrogen (derived from hydrocarbons).”
With expectations of being able to find substantial quantities of extractable hydrogen at deeper layers, Mantel8 is optimistic about reaching their goal ahead of the 2030 deadline, especially considering recent research insights from Stanford University that estimated hydrogen production costs to be as low as 0.50 USD per kilogram.
In addressing concerns about exploration risks and economic viability, Massini stated, “Exploration is always fraught with risks, and most exploration firms are well-aware of that. Our main job is to reduce those risks.” He pointed out the existence of several existing techniques for extracting and producing various fluids using modified oil and gas methodologies, demonstrating the feasibility of hydrogen production.
Moreover, Massini highlighted their interest in potential investments in the Arab countries, stating, “This is a no-brainer for us... we are looking at the potential of the entire Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, which includes the Arab nations.” He expressed optimism about the geological discoveries made in this region that could significantly influence hydrogen and mining potential.
In conclusion, with a unique technological approach, Massini and his team at Mantel8 are poised to make significant strides in the natural hydrogen exploration landscape. Their ambitious targets and innovative methodology could potentially transform the global energy market.
