PhD Position - Geological, geophysical and geochemical characterization of migration routes and dihydrogen reservoirs in the Ile de France region
Paris-Saclay University
Energy, Resources and the Environment (ERE)
Geosciences Instrumentation and Data Systems (GI)
Abstract
As part of the H2-IDF project, the H 2 G 3 PhD project aims to investigate the processes
responsible for the presence of natural hydrogen in the subsurface of the Ile-de-France
region, recently identified in several exploration wells. By combining geology, geophysics
and geochemistry, the project will explore potential sources, migration pathways, and
accumulation zones of this gas. It will rely on the analysis of existing data, field and
laboratory campaigns, and the development of integrated models. This work will
contribute to assessing the natural hydrogen potential of the Paris Basin and to defining
innovative exploration methodologies.
Context of the study :
Recent analyses by Lefeuvre et al. (2024), based on the public database from deep exploration
wells (logging, reports, logs…), in the Paris Basin, and recent measurements by Léger et al. (2025)
within its borders, have identified traces of native/natural hydrogen in a dozen wells, in deep
reservoirs (basement, Triassic sandstones, Middle and Upper Jurassic limestones) or surface
reservoirs (at the basement-cover interface), with concentrations of up to 50% v in volumic H 2 .
These studies raise the question of the natural hydrogen potential in this sedimentary basin, and
in general in the Ile-de-France (IDF) region. To assess and quantify the H 2 potential resource, it
is required to study the origin(s) of these H 2 -rich gases, and decipher the different routes and
types of migration as well as the possible accumulation(s) or transit zone(s).
The “Evaluation of natural hydrogen potential in Ile-de-France” acronymed “H2-IDF” project aims
to answer these questions by proposing a methodology based on sedimentary basin exploration
techniques, in order to quantify and predict the IDF’s native hydrogen potential. Coordinated by
CVA, the H2-IDF project also brings together the Université Paris-Saclay and Geolinks. It is
financed by BPI France and the IDF region.
In this context, the H 2 G 3 thesis project aims to provide a specific answer to these questions
through an approach combining geology, geophysics and geochemistry. The phd-candidate will
have the opportunity to develop skills in basin geology, near-surface and deep geophysics and
gas-geochemistry, as well as in field studies (geophysical and geochemical measurements),
laboratory techniques and communication. The candidate may supervise Master’s degree
students and play an active role in H2-IDF project activities, particularly in communication with
our partners.
General framework :
The project general framework will follow the subsequent tasks, each of them interconnected with
the others.
- Geological overview of the area based on : historical data (borehole database, seismic
profiles), literature and data from recent geothermal projects. - Based on the geological synthesis, highlighting areas with few geological constraints and
areas with the potential to act as intermediate reservoirs or gas/water transfer zones. - Geophysical and geochemical (gas) measurement campaigns in targeted areas to refine
the geological model or prospect for unconstrained areas. - Geophysical and geochemical campaign data integration into the geological model.
Implementation of geophysical and geochemical monitoring in several potentially H 2 -rich
zones. - Direct interaction with the various project partners and the project manager.
Profile and skills required :
- Geologist/geophysicist/gas geochemist with a Masters 2 or engineering degree in related
subjects. A strong interest in field measurements is mandatory. - Sedimentary and structural geology, sedimentary basin geology, geophysics (seismic
refraction and electrical resistivity tomography), geochemistry (gas, minerals and water). - Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to synthesize information
- Project management with various stakeholders
- Multidisciplinarity
- driving license required
Supervision and location :
- The phd-candidate will be supervised at Université Paris-Saclay by Emmanuel Léger and
Benjamin Brigaud, and co-supervised by Christophe Rigollet (CVA), and will interact with
other researchers involved in the project. - The GEOPS laboratory will host the PhD-candidate at the Université Paris-Saclay, the
university where he or she will be employed