The hydrogen sector is intrinsically linked to water management, according to a new whitepaper from Integrated Sustainability.
Hosted on H2-View.com, the Hydrogen Production Water Management: Understanding the Challenges whitepaper notes that hydrogen production projects are complex; stressing the need to establish comprehensive project plans from the onset that will de-risk water aspects hydrogen projects and enhance operational optimisation.
Highlighting source water, cooling water, high purity water treatment, wastewater management, and regulatory, rightsholder and stakeholder impacts, as common challenges in hydrogen production, the whitepaper said adopting a “holistic approach” to address water challenges would be “essential” to propel the sector and secure its long-term viability.
The whitepaper said water resources and regulatory permitting are key strategic considerations. It advocates for an all-inclusive source water strategy, involving surface water, groundwater, seawater, and collaborative industry efforts.
Drawing water management insights from sectors like heavy oil steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) enhances the hydrogen sector’s resilience by tapping into non-freshwater sources.
Noting the qualification of water demands and the optimisation strategies for water and waste throughout the hydrogen production lifecycle, the whitepaper said understanding stoichiometric consumption, evaporative losses and technology choices will significantly impact water demand, urging fit-for-purpose strategies tailored to each project.
It also provides an overview of balancing challenges and costs associated with cooling water systems, evaluating treatment options through an integrated water and energy analysis, and strategies for environmental performance and operational efficiency.
The whitepaper highlights strategies such as excess heat recovery from steam methane reforming (SMR) and electrolysis as a way to increase efficiency while also allowing saline water sources to be demineralised at a lower cost than traditional desalination methods.
“This realm of innovative technologies provides an alternative to traditional desalination technologies with lower electrical input requirements, higher water recovery, and lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” it reads.
By integrating water management and treatment strategies, Integrated Sustainability said, “Hydrogen project developers can effectively mitigate risks, bolster resilience, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency while preserving the integrity of regional water resources.”
“By embracing a responsible and forward-thinking approach, the hydrogen sector will be successful in contributing to a greener and more sustainable energy landscape for the future.”
You can access the full whitepaper here.
