Water as a critical resource for hydrogen production

Abstract

The development of a hydrogen economy offers the opportunity to achieve climate and energy policy goals. The implementation and realization by power-to-gas (PtG) plants depend on interactions between the required resources and the energy industry. Especially the resource water is influenced by the realization by electrolysis. In this study, the expansion of PtG plants in Central Germany is presented, the water demand is analyzed and compared with the regional water availability. The emergence of water stress in Central Germany through PtG plants is hardly evident beyond 2030, but the intensification of already locally existing water deficits becomes apparent. The lignite phase-out was identified as a positive development for the water supply. Nevertheless, the model region is affected by drought, which is why sustainable water management is essential.