Water is a critical resource in hydrogen production, particularly for methods like electrolysis and thermochemical water splitting. The growing demand for hydrogen as a clean energy carrier has intensified scrutiny over water usage, prompting governments and regulatory bodies to implement policies aimed at sustainable water management. These policies include permitting systems, efficiency standards, and industry-specific guidelines to minimize environmental impact while supporting hydrogen’s role in decarbonization.
Permitting systems for water use in hydrogen production vary significantly across regions. In the European Union, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a comprehensive permitting regime that requires hydrogen producers to demonstrate sustainable water sourcing and minimal ecological disruption. Projects must undergo environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to evaluate water withdrawal effects on local ecosystems. Similarly, in the United States, the Clean Water Act regulates water withdrawals, with state-level agencies issuing permits based on availability and competing demands. For example, Texas, a hub for hydrogen projects, requires producers to secure water rights, prioritizing renewable sources like desalinated seawater to reduce freshwater strain.
Efficiency standards are another key regulatory tool. Countries with ambitious hydrogen strategies, such as Japan and South Korea, enforce strict water-use efficiency benchmarks for electrolyzers. Japan’s Green Growth Strategy mandates that electrolysis plants achieve a water consumption rate of no more than 9 liters per kilogram of hydrogen produced, aligning with best available technologies. South Korea’s Hydrogen Economy Roadmap includes similar targets, incentivizing advanced electrolysis systems with water recycling capabilities. These standards are often tied to subsidies or tax incentives, encouraging industry compliance.
In contrast, regions with water scarcity have adopted more stringent measures. Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy includes provisions for water stewardship in arid areas, requiring producers to use non-potable or recycled water where feasible. Pilbara, a major hydrogen export hub, enforces zero-liquid-discharge policies to prevent contamination of limited groundwater reserves. Meanwhile, the Middle East, leveraging its expertise in desalination, integrates hydrogen production with seawater desalination plants. Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project mandates that all hydrogen facilities use desalinated water, with strict monitoring to avoid marine ecosystem harm.
Industry compliance with water regulations is mixed. Large-scale projects, particularly those backed by public funding, generally adhere to standards due to stringent reporting requirements. For instance, the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance monitors member projects for compliance with WFD guidelines, publishing annual performance reports. However, smaller or privately funded ventures may face challenges, especially in regions with weak enforcement. In India, where groundwater depletion is acute, some electrolysis plants have been cited for exceeding permitted withdrawal limits, highlighting gaps in oversight.
Cross-border collaboration is emerging to address disparities in water-use regulation. The International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) facilitates knowledge-sharing on water-efficient technologies, while the ISO Technical Committee 197 is developing global standards for water consumption metrics in hydrogen production. These efforts aim to harmonize policies, particularly for export-oriented hydrogen markets where inconsistent regulations could hinder trade.
The balance between hydrogen expansion and water sustainability remains a priority for policymakers. As technologies like proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis improve water efficiency, regulations are expected to evolve, incorporating dynamic benchmarks based on real-time resource availability. Future policies may also integrate water-use reporting into carbon accounting frameworks, ensuring that hydrogen’s environmental benefits are not offset by unsustainable water practices.
In summary, water-use regulations for hydrogen production reflect regional priorities, from stringent permitting in water-scarce areas to efficiency incentives in industrial hubs. While compliance varies, international coordination and technological advances are driving progress toward sustainable water management in the hydrogen sector.