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New research suggests that the geological processes that formed the Alps and Pyrenees may have naturally produced and trapped hydrogen gas, offering a potential low‑cost source for the emerging hydrogen economy.Plate Tectonic Simulations Identify Natural Hydrogen Hotspots in the Alps and PyreneesScientists modelled the uplift and erosion histories of three European mountain belts—the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Baetic range in southern Spain. The simulations showed that when deep mantle rocks are brought to the surface at a moderate rate, they react with infiltrating water to release hydrogen, which then accumulates in overlying porous rock layers.Key Quantitative Insights from the StudyBoth the Alps and Pyrenees emerged as strong natural hydrogen exploration sites.The Baetic range experienced faster uplift and erosion, limiting the time for significant hydrogen generation and reducing reservoir quality.The model identified an optimal uplift speed range that maximises hydrogen production while preserving porous storage layers.Why Natural Hydrogen Could Accelerate DecarbonisationIf these naturally occurring reservoirs can be tapped, they could supply cheap, low‑carbon hydrogen for sectors such as chemical production, shipping and steelmaking—areas where electrification is difficult. This would reduce reliance on energy‑intensive synthetic hydrogen production methods.Mapping the World’s Mountains for Hidden Hydrogen ReservesThe authors propose extending the same modelling approach to other orogenic belts worldwide, potentially uncovering additional low‑cost hydrogen sources that could help scale the global hydrogen economy.

Danish cyclist Jonas Vingegaard has made an impressive start to the season, securing a dominant victory at the Volta a Catalunya. He led the general classification by 1 minute and 22 seconds over France's Lenny Martinez and a further eight seconds ahead of Germany's Florian Lipowitz. In a surprising turn of events on the final stage, Brady Gilmore of the NSN team, backed by retired football star Andrés Iniesta, claimed a stunning stage seven victory. Gilmore edged out Dorian Godon and Remco Evenepoel in a thrilling bunch sprint finale. The 95km final stage featured seven circuits of Montjuïc in Barcelona, a venue that will host the Tour de France start in July. Vingegaard, the pre-race favorite, asserted his dominance with solo victories in stages five and six in the Pyrenees. Earlier this month, he also won two stages and the overall title at Paris-Nice. The Dane is planning a challenging double assault on the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France later in the year. 'We won two stages and now the GC, it's been a really good week and we're super happy with it,' Vingegaard said. 'It's been an amazing start to the year for me and I hope I can keep it going.' Meanwhile, in the In Flanders Fields one-day cobbled classic race in Belgium, Jasper Philipsen secured victory after a breakaway effort by Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert was caught just a kilometer from the finish. Philipsen out-sprinted Tobias Lund Andresen and Christophe Laporte for the win.