Hydrogen faces water scarcity risk
The industry is exploring the economics of wastewater and seawater electrolysis amid increasing risk of drought and limited access
Water access and the risk of scarcity is a growing concern for the energy industry as the climate changes. But while the hydrogen sector remains confident that will not push the dial on project economics, it is investigating alternative streams to freshwater for future hydrogen production. An electrolyser requires at least 9kg of water for every kilogram of hydrogen produced, while steam methane reformation consumes a minimum of 4.5kg per kilogram of hydrogen. To prevent clogging by particulates, the water must also be as free of salt, minerals, organic matter and other contaminants as possible. A letter to the non-profit American Chemical Society notes that, while 2.3gt of green hydrogen wo

Also in this section
1 December 2023
Aircraft of varying sizes and in varying regions are likely to use different technolo-gies to decarbonise, making regulation challenging
30 November 2023
International investors are looking to exploit Morocco’s increasingly well-recognised potential to be one of the world’s top producers
30 November 2023
Production of green hydrogen and fuels from rapidly expanding renewable power sector becoming increasingly important to country’s energy strategy
29 November 2023
Centrica and Mitsubishi agree to explore development of facility at Bord Gais Energy site in Cork