IRENA – Water for hydrogen production, 2023

The energy sector is the largest consumer of water among all industrial sectors. The recent shutdowns of nuclear power plants in Europe due to water shortages have highlighted the sector's vulnerability to such disruptions, which are expected to increase in frequency due to extreme weather events caused by climate change. To address these risks, the energy sector is adopting practices to integrate water considerations into planning. One effective way to mitigate water risks is to transition to renewable energy sources, which require less water than traditional fossil fuels. Clean hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution in the fight against climate change, particularly for industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as steelmaking, chemical production, aviation, shipping, and truck transportation. However, understanding the water implications of hydrogen production, especially in water-stressed areas, is crucial for managing potential disruptions to production. All hydrogen production technologies rely on water, both in the production process and for cooling purposes. The use of water for clean hydrogen production has been a subject of debate, but discussions often lack in-depth knowledge of these emerging technologies. In response to these questions, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Bluerisk have compiled a report that aims to provide insights into the water use implications of hydrogen production.