M. Moreira and ISTO is parter of the project H-Explore
Project Summary
Helium is a critical, high-value resource facing rising demand and constrained supply. It is generated over geological time by the decay of radioactive elements in deep crustal formations and can migrate to the surface, carried by gas phases (typically CO₂ or N₂), and occasionally associated with H₂. In France, CO₂-He systems are better documented, while N₂-He systems—characterized by higher helium concentrations and the advantage of being carbon-free—remain largely underexplored. However, promising indications exist: unusually high He concentrations have been measured in an area covering parts of the Poitou region, the Morvan Massif, and the western edge of the Massif Central. This context suggests a real potential for medium-term exploitation of a national, decarbonized helium resource. Targeted research is key to unlocking this potential and advancing next-generation exploration strategies.
Thus, H-eXPLORE aims to develop innovative workflows for subsurface gas exploration, improve understanding of He–N₂ systems, and investigate underexplored regions.
H-eXPLORE adopts interdisciplinarity as its foundation, integrating modern favorability mapping, geophysical surveys, geochemical and isotopic analyses, geological expertise, and multi-physics modeling. It brings together complementary expertise from three leading research institutes -BRGM (coordinator), ISTerre, and ISTO- and two industrial partners -Geolinks and 45-8- with in-kind contributions.
First field trip in July 2026
