Water’s Role in Producing Sustainable Green Hydrogen Power

As the world moves to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, interest in the low carbon benefits of green hydrogen energy continues to grow.

Since the process to produce it involves the use of purified water, a key factor to consider at the start of any green hydrogen project is the availability and quality of the water supply.

Often there can be several competing interests for that water source in the U.S.– such as drinking water for a municipal water supply, irrigation for agriculture, electricity production and water rights, which can vary from state to state. In the eastern part of the country, they are almost uniformly riparian, while in western states, they tend to be either appropriative or a hybrid of the two.

Most water regulations also make a distinction between surface and groundwater resources, and in many cases, freshwater resources are governed by interstate compacts between two or more states. This is why it’s so important to understand the connection between water rights and water risk in a region.

Ensuring an ample local water supply is readily available, is one of the most critical considerations to make for a successful conversion to green hydrogen energy generation.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen, also known as renewable hydrogen, is produced by splitting water molecules using renewable resources, such as wind and solar, through a process called electrolysis. This process splits the hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the water molecule into two gases – pure oxygen and hydrogen.

The hydrogen produced is captured, stored and eventually transported to a location where it is used for a variety of purposes. The water used in the green hydrogen process includes raw water, cooling water and high purity water used for electrolysis.

According to the Rocky Mountain Institute, to produce the same amount of energy, green hydrogen production consumes less than half the water of other large-scale water consuming processes such as coal or nuclear electricity production. Because the need for high purity water is necessary, realistic assessment of water supply and quality are essential when developing green hydrogen projects.

Keep all options open, including the potential need for the use of treated water, too.

Five Green Hydrogen Facility Considerations

How do you find a location that is ideal for a green hydrogen production facility? That process involves balancing several key considerations to ensure success.

Here are five of the most important factors to analyze at the beginning of any site exploration:

Proximity to Renewable Energy Sources: Green hydrogen production relies on clean electricity from solar, wind or hydropower. Ideally, the facility should be located close to an area that can provide these resources. This minimizes transmission losses and maximizes the use of clean energy.

Water Source: Green hydrogen production requires high purity water for electrolysis. As a result, the chosen location must have reliable access to water. Conventional sources include fresh surface water supplies, brackish groundwater and seawater. However, minimizing water consumption and using recycled water from nonconventional sources, such as industrial effluents and treated wastewater, are likely necessary when siting a facility in arid regions of the country.

Water Treatment: The water quality at the chosen site may require extensive treatment, especially from unconventional sources, to meet the specific requirements of the electrolysis process. The creative application of advanced brine minimization technologies may be required. The degree and cost of treatment depends on the source.

Brine Disposal: With any water treatment plant designed to remove salts necessary to produce high purity water, a concentrated brine stream will be produced that requires disposal. Siting the facility in a location that offers inexpensive brine disposal options will be an important factor in the overall cost of treatment.

Transportation and Logistics: Consider the proximity to potential hydrogen consumers or transportation hubs for efficient distribution. Building pipelines or other infrastructure for hydrogen transport might be necessary.

By carefully considering these key factors, as well as other aspects that are specific to each individual site, developers can select a suitable site for a new green hydrogen facility that is cost-effective, efficient and environmentally and sociably responsible.

Learn more about Hydrogen.