GREEN HYDROGEN ECONOMY AND WATER RESOURCE ISSUES

The study focuses on identifying the scale and specific characteristics of water consumption in the production of green hydrogen, as well as assessing potential risks for national economies related to possible water resource shortages. In conducting this research, we aimed to determine how and in what volumes hydrogen production consumes water so that policymakers can make well-informed decisions. Global transformations have once again brought the idea of transitioning to hydrogen as an energy source to the forefront. However, discussions remain largely centered on financial and technical challenges, while overlooking a critical issue – the use of water as a feedstock for its production. The article demonstrates that a false perception has emerged: since green hydrogen uses water to produce hydrogen, it must therefore be water-intensive. The proposed study indicates that producing the amount of hydrogen needed for the energy transition will require a significant volume of water resources; however, considering how much water is already used by various water-intensive technologies, this amount will be relatively insignificant. It also highlights that water availability is a local issue, and much of the world faces widespread water scarcity or severe drought, partly due to climate change. And it is precisely the actions of local authorities, such as reviewing water pricing schemes, justifying the location of water-intensive industries, etc., that could help limit the burden on local access to fresh water. Large-scale hydrogen production could put additional pressure on local water resources, especially in regions already suffering from water stress. However, hydrogen could significantly help countries advance their energy transition, provided they take the right approach to choosing technology and structuring national production. It has been suggested in the article that, given the described trends in the development of the green hydrogen economy, it is highly likely that significant structural changes will occur in the national economies of various countries. Local authorities are encouraged to consider water withdrawal and consumption indicators as comparison criteria when analysing and approving regional hydrogen projects. This approach will encourage the industry to adopt a more responsible attitude toward water use, establish monitoring practices, and track improvements in efficiency, which in the long term will reduce dependence on water and increase the sector’s resilience to water-related risks.