Dr. Eric Gaucher

Eric C. Gaucher is a geochemist expert. His work focuses on water–rock–gas interactions at the laboratory scale up to basin scale using experimental, field and numerical modeling methods. He is involved in all geo-energies and is one of the frontrunners in the Exploration of Natural H₂.

After 19 years in academic research (CEA, BRGM in France and the University of Bern in Switzerland) and 10 years in industry (TotalEnergies), he is now building bridges between the worlds of research and industry with a new start-up: Lavoisier H₂ Geoconsult.

He graduated with two master degrees in 1993. The first was a Master of Earth Sciences from Lyon I University & École Normale Supérieure. The second was a Master of Hydrology from Paris Orsay University. He also completed his water-rock interaction PhD with CEA and Paris VII University in 1998.

Focused on solving industrial problems using the most advanced scientific methods, he has solved difficult questions linked to the water/clay equilibrium, stability of clays and cements, CO₂ control by rocks, and carbonate diagenesis. Since 2016, he has been developing exploration methods for natural hydrogen gas (H₂) and assessing the reserves of this new geo-energy. He is at the origin of the 2 first licenses of exploration in France and he is exploring in the Alps and New Caledonia. He is also developing a new start-up RockyH₂ for the stimulation of the production of hydrogen from rocks and materials.

He is the task co-leader for Natural Hydrogen for the International Energy Agency TASK 49 and has published 130 peer-reviewed articles. Since 2024, he has been included in the Stanford University’s list of « World’s Top 2%” scientists ».