Tetra Tech’s hydrogen team discusses the drop-by-drop requirements of today’s hydrogen production technologies and examines innovative solutions for responsible water management, particularly in water-scarce regions where potential hydrogen development is most promising.
Imagine powering major industries and large-scale transportation without emissions, or storing renewable energy for extended periods. This is the promise of hydrogen, an alternative fuel and industrial commodity that produces no harmful carbon emissions when consumed.
However, water is a crucial input across all hydrogen production methods, and usage rates require closer scrutiny. Is the need for water so significant that it becomes a dealbreaker? Download the white paper to explore this question and some innovative water solutions for hydrogen projects.
Is Clean Hydrogen Production Too Thirsty to Thrive?
Although energy is the key input for generating hydrogen—and often a topic of significant debate—water is also stirring discussion. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Bluerisk, producing hydrogen via steam methane reforming (SMR) requires approximately 20 liters of water per kilogram of hydrogen (lt/kgH2).1 Coal gasification demands more than twice as much, approximately 49.8 lt/kgH2. Both fossil-based hydrogen production methods, often referred to as “gray” and “brown” hydrogen respectively, contribute substantially to carbon emissions.
Carbon capture technologies can be added to this process to create “blue hydrogen.” Here, the water requirements increase to 36.7 lt/kgH2 for SMR and 80.2 lt/kgH2 for coal gasification.
Water electrolysis is considered a clean hydrogen production method. When powered by renewable energy, water electrolysis produces “green hydrogen.” While this process is often lauded for being “clean” in terms of carbon emissions, its water intensity (at about 32.2 lt/kgH2) remains a critical factor.2
Examining Hydrogen’s Global Water Footprint
Hydrogen production is currently estimated to account for around 2,200 million cubic meters (MCM) of freshwater withdrawals annually. As clean hydrogen takes a more prominent role in decarbonizing global energy systems and pursuing global climate goals, these figures are expected to rise significantly. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that water demand for hydrogen production will need to approach 18,000 MCM annually by 2050 (Figure 1).
Assessing Regional Impacts
Despite the potential for a net decrease in global water consumption, hydrogen development may still pose challenges in water-scarce regions. Chile, Australia, and parts of the Middle East and North Africa are emerging as key players in the green hydrogen market due to their abundant renewable energy resources. Yet, many of these regions face significant water stress. Integrating advanced water recycling and reuse technologies into hydrogen projects will be critical. Coastal hydrogen production sites may turn to desalination to create opportunities to develop shared water infrastructure that benefits both hydrogen production and local communities.4
Exploring Innovative Water Solutions for Hydrogen Projects
1. Advanced Water Recycling and Air Cooling
Technologies that allow for the reuse and reduction of water within hydrogen production processes can significantly reduce overall consumption. This is particularly valuable in water-scarce regions.
2. Desalination Integration
Coastal green hydrogen projects can leverage desalination to maintain water resource resilience, with potential co-benefits for local populations through shared infrastructure.
3. Resource Mapping
Site selection should incorporate detailed resource mapping that considers both water availability and renewable energy potential. This will help optimize the location of hydrogen production facilities, reducing the environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency.
As Engineering News-Record’s #1 ranked firm in Water Treatment and Desalination since 2014, Tetra Tech brings innovative solutions to overcome water scarcity and desalination challenges for green hydrogen projects. We specialize in designing advanced water treatment systems—including reverse osmosis and nanofiltration—that meet the stringent purity standards required for hydrogen production.
Leading with Science® for Water and Hydrogen Innovation
At Tetra Tech, we combine our industry-leading expertise in water and energy to help clients navigate the complex challenges of hydrogen production in a water-constrained world. Our custom-built resource mapping processes assess both renewable energy availability and water resources, enabling our clients to make informed decisions about where and how to develop their hydrogen projects.
Envisioning A Resilient Path Forward
The global transition to clean hydrogen offers immense promise for decarbonizing the energy sector, but its success depends on careful management of water resources.
The hydrogen industry can mitigate the environmental risks associated with its water footprint by employing advanced water reuse technologies and strategically locating hydrogen production facilities in regions with access to renewable energy and resilient water supplies.
Tetra Tech is at the forefront of this evolution, providing the technical expertise and innovative solutions that can drive efficient hydrogen production in the decades to come. As hydrogen emerges as a cornerstone of the global energy transition, our commitment to Leading with Science® guarantees that water, one of our most precious resources, is managed responsibly for future generations.
1This and all values account for withdrawn water, meaning they include not only consumed water for hydrogen production, but also water used for cooling purposes.
2For proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis, the requirements are 25.7 lt/kgH2.
3Considering the oil, gas, and coal demand from the same forecast and the water requirements to produce each type of fuel.
4Only a minor impact on the total cost of a green hydrogen project, increasing costs by $0.01–$0.02/kgH2, according to the IEA.
About the authors
Justin Goonesinghe
Justin Goonesinghe is an energy sector director and clean gases lead with more than 20 years of experience in the global energy sector.
He specializes in clean gas and hydrogen policy,market development as well as policy strategy, regulatory frameworks, and low-carbon gas markets such as hydrogen and biomethane. Justin supports the development of Ukraine’s National Hydrogen Strategy through the USAID Energy Security Project, helps shape the UK-EU gas sector relationship during Brexit, and advances hydrogen markets in Bhutan and Uzbekistan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geography and expects to receive his master’s degree in global energy and climate policy in 2025.
Rafael V. Monroy
Rafael V. Monroy is a global hydrogen senior advisor and renewable energy project development professional with more than 17 years of experience.
He specializes in project management, capital raising, environmental impact studies, and operational oversight for multiple sectors including hydrogen, energy efficiency, wastewater treatment, and traditional oil and gas across North and Latin America. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.