Lot of threats associated with green hydrogen production; immense amount of water required for running even smaller regions on green hydrogen.
Here’s an article posted in Food and Water Tech.
According to the article,
- Hydrogen power is being touted as the clean energy of the future, but it actually entrenches fossil fuel use and infrastructure, as well as resulting in pollution in frontline communities.
- Hydrogen production requires a lot of water, and if we meet U.S. goals with the projected energy mix by 2050, it would equal the annual water use of 34 million Americans.
Producing hydrogen from fossil fuels, such as natural gas via steam methane reforming, has several significant environmental impacts beyond greenhouse gas emissions:
- Water consumption: Hydrogen production from natural gas requires 6 times more water than hydrogen from solar power, and 120 times more water than hydrogen from wind power. This high water demand can strain water resources, especially in drought-stricken regions.
- Air pollution: Hydrogen derived from fossil fuels may result in higher emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter. These pollutants are linked to the formation of smog, acid rain, and adverse health effects.
- Land use and habitat destruction: Obtaining and processing fossil fuels for hydrogen production frequently involves practices such as fracking and mining that can harm ecosystems and disturb wildlife habitats.
- Waste generation: The hydrogen production process creates different waste streams such as wastewater, solid waste, and hazardous materials needing appropriate treatment and disposal to reduce environmental effects.
- Fossil fuel dependence: Dependence on fossil fuels for hydrogen production perpetuates society’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources and the related geopolitical and economic risks.
It is however, surprising to note that a majority of hydrogen being produced throughout is gray!
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A major transition from gray to either blue hydrogen (by emphasizing carbon capture technology) or green hydrogen (using renewable electricity) is imperative, as any further damage to the environment can turn out to be catastrophic.
Interestingly, we have some other posts related to this content:
Large-Scale Hydrogen Production Risks, Threats: Azo Clean Tech article highlights fossil fuel use, flammability, and energy-intensive process as risks in large-scale hydrogen production. Hydrogen Leakage Risks Along Value Chain – Highlights potential risks due to hydrogen leakage across the production, delivery, and end-use phases, emphasizing the need for careful management to minimize environmental impacts and ensure safety.
