Dr. Arvind Kumar*
Green hydrogen, touted as a future fuel for its zero-carbon emissions, is increasingly being recognized as a cornerstone of global decarbonization efforts. The United Nations (UN) and various countries, including India, are investing heavily in green hydrogen technologies to combat climate change and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. However, the production of green hydrogen relies heavily on water resources, which poses a significant challenge, especially in water-scarce regions. This article explores the critical role of water in green hydrogen production, supported by data and examples from the UN and India, and examines strategies to balance the environmental benefits of green hydrogen with the sustainability of water resources. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the UN highlight the potential of green hydrogen as a clean energy vector capable of supporting the energy transition in various sectors, including industry, transportation, and power generation. However, this potential is closely tied to the availability and management of water resources. For each kilogram of hydrogen produced through electrolysis, approximately nine liters of water are required. As hydrogen production scales up, so does the demand for water, making water availability a critical factor in determining the feasibility and sustainability of green hydrogen production.
India’s green hydrogen ambitions are significant. The country has set an ambitious target of producing 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030 under its National Hydrogen Mission. The National Green Hydrogen Mission of India is giving an impetus to innovation, infrastructure, industry and investment. The PM has highlighted that the investments in cutting-edge research and development, partnerships between industry and academia and encouragement for start-ups and entrepreneurs of the domain. This target aligns with India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, and it represents an opportunity for India to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while developing a new green economy. Water scarcity is a growing concern globally, with the UN estimating that nearly 2 billion people already live in areas experiencing water stress. By 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages. Given these projections, the rapid expansion of green hydrogen production could exacerbate water scarcity in vulnerable regions unless water-efficient technologies and management practices are implemented. In water-scarce countries, such as India, balancing the demand for water in hydrogen production with agricultural and domestic needs becomes an intricate challenge.
Aligning Economic growth to Energy Security
Green hydrogen, offers a transformative boost to the economy. By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, it paves the way for energy security and price stability, protecting economies from volatile oil and gas markets. Investment in green hydrogen can stimulate new job sectors, from production and storage to infrastructure development, supporting a shift to a greener workforce. As industries like steel, chemicals, and transportation adopt green hydrogen, they not only reduce emissions but also open avenues for cleaner exports. Overall, green hydrogen fosters sustainable growth, attracts clean investments, and aligns economic growth with environmental goals.
Globally, the UN emphasizes the need for water-smart strategies in green hydrogen development. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation, and SDG 7, which targets affordable and clean energy, are closely interlinked in the context of hydrogen production. Achieving a balance between these goals requires technological innovation, efficient water management, and cross-sectoral collaboration. The UN has launched initiatives to promote the development of hydrogen production technologies that minimize water use and has called for international cooperation to create water-efficient green hydrogen supply chains.
To mitigate these challenges, the government and industry stakeholders are exploring various strategies, including the use of seawater for electrolysis and wastewater treatment technologies. Seawater electrolysis is a promising avenue as it bypasses freshwater resources; however, it requires additional desalination processes, which can be energy-intensive and costly. Indian companies like Reliance Industries are investing in technologies to make seawater electrolysis more efficient. Collaborations with international organizations and technology providers are underway to develop pilot projects aimed at testing the feasibility and scalability of seawater-based hydrogen production systems. Another approach to managing water consumption in green hydrogen production involves integrating renewable energy sources to power desalination plants, thus creating a closed-loop system that minimizes freshwater use. Solar-powered desalination plants can provide the necessary water for electrolysis, especially in coastal regions where solar energy is abundant. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) supports such integrated projects as a means to build resilient hydrogen production infrastructure in water-stressed regions. The success of these projects could serve as a model for other countries looking to develop green hydrogen industries while minimizing their impact on freshwater resources.
Apart from seawater and desalination, India is also exploring the use of wastewater as a feedstock for green hydrogen production. Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment systems can be adapted to produce water suitable for electrolysis, reducing the need for freshwater withdrawals. By utilizing existing wastewater infrastructure, India can not only address its growing hydrogen production goals but also create co-benefits such as improved wastewater management and reduced pollution. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) supports wastewater-based hydrogen initiatives, noting that these systems can simultaneously contribute to clean energy development and water pollution mitigation. Pilot projects in Indian cities like Pune and Bangalore aim to demonstrate the economic and environmental benefits of this approach. According to the UN World Water Development Report, hydrogen production can be sustainable if countries implement robust water management strategies and invest in technologies that enhance water efficiency. For example, innovations in water recovery and recycling systems can reduce the water footprint of green hydrogen facilities. Electrolyzers are being designed to operate with less water, and new materials are being researched to make the electrolysis process more efficient and less reliant on pure, freshwater inputs. The UN’s Global Water Partnership works with countries like India to develop policies that promote such technologies, ensuring that hydrogen production does not compromise water availability for other essential uses.
Way Ahead
The future of green hydrogen production lies in developing water-efficient technologies and fostering international cooperation to share knowledge and best practices. Achieving global hydrogen targets must not come at the expense of water resources, especially in regions like India, where water is already a critical concern. The key will be to align green hydrogen development with comprehensive water management plans that incorporate desalination, wastewater recycling, and renewable energy sources. While green hydrogen holds immense promise for the global energy transition, its production’s water footprint cannot be ignored. India’s efforts, supported by the UN and international partners, highlight the importance of water-smart strategies and technological innovation in scaling green hydrogen production sustainably. As countries worldwide adopt green hydrogen, integrating efficient water management practices will be essential to achieving a truly sustainable and resilient hydrogen economy. The path forward requires balancing the dual goals of clean energy development and water conservation, ensuring that green hydrogen contributes positively to both energy security and sustainable water use.
*Editor, Focus Global Reporter
