Our projects

Explore. Develop. Enhance.

At 45-8 ENERGY, we develop helium and natural hydrogen exploration and production projects in France and Europe. Each project is based on a responsible, innovative approach that involves consultation with local communities.

Our ambition: to help secure Europe’s supply of strategic resources while addressing the challenges of the energy transition.

A strong European presence

Our projects are located in different regions of France and in various European countries. Each one reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility, transparency, and local consultation.

Below is an overview of our current projects:

Some of our projects

Brimir project

A helium exploration and production project in northeastern Germany.

Fonts-Bouillants project

First license obtained in 2021, which led to the first pilot production of helium in France and Western Europe in 2024.

Grand Rieu project

A promising project for exploring natural hydrogen in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Avant-Monts project

A helium exploration project located in the Doubs region, where significant helium potential is being considered.

Development in the United States

Beyond this European ambition, we are committed to understanding the details and specificities of the geological system of natural hydrogen.

Natural hydrogen, discovered by chance in the 1970s, has only been studied as a potential resource for the past ten years or so. Its exploration is still in its infancy, and we are seeking to resolve the uncertainties we face in order to optimize our exploration activities.

This aspiration therefore drives us to join forces with key partners and take an interest in diverse geological contexts outside Europe in order to gain a better overall understanding of the natural hydrogen system and the contexts in which this gas accumulates in commercial quantities.

For these reasons, 45-8 ENERGY has decided to launch its first overseas exploration project, in partnership with H2Au, notably in the United States.

Our US projects

Humboldt project

Fayette project

The Humboldt Project is a natural hydrogen and helium exploration project located in Kansas (United States), operated by H2Au and partnered with 45-8 ENERGY. 45-8 ENERGY's involvement in this ambitious project outside Europe allows us to contribute to furthering our knowledge of the geological hydrogen system while confirming its production potential in the area, in conjunction with the associated helium. Nearly 40 km² (~10,000 acres) have already been secured through leases, for an initial period of five years, with the owners of the parcels in our area of interest, in order to gradually acquire the data necessary to validate our exploratory hypotheses.

The Fayette project is a natural hydrogen and helium exploration project located in Iowa (United States), operated by H2Au and in which 45-8 ENERGY is a partner. 45-8 ENERGY's involvement in this ambitious project outside Europe allows us to contribute to furthering our knowledge of the hydrogen geological system while confirming its production potential in the area. 11km2 (2,727 acres) have already been secured through leases, for an initial period of five years, with the owners of the plots in our area of interest, so that we can gradually acquire the data needed to validate our exploratory hypotheses.

Projet Humboldt

Projet Fayette

The development of innovative solutions

R&D at the heart of our ambitions

45-8 ENERGY has always relied on solid R&D, in partnership with industry and academia, to overcome the technological barriers to the helium and natural hydrogen sectors.

Some of these R&D projects have enabled us to advance our explorations directly in the field. Others have enabled us to develop innovative and effective tools/services that support our explorations and complement our activities.

RECYCL’He is Europe’s leading helium recovery and recycling service.

Whether mobile or fixed, our solutions are adapted to customer needs, with a view to securing European supply, preserving resources, and initiating a circular economy for this strategic resource.

Helium recycling with RECYCL'He

SurfMoG H₂ is the ideal tool for conducting long-term monitoring of natural hydrogen in the subsurface.

An IoT tool, this one-meter probe is versatile and can be easily installed in areas where gas measurements need to be taken. Completely autonomous for several months, SurfMoG H2 is available for rent.

SurfMoG H2 IoT Tool