Hydrogen and Water Resources Management: Closing the Cycle

Hydrogen Meets Offshore &PtX: Pioneering the Green Energy Transition

10.04.2025, Poznań, MTP, PCC, level 0, stage 5, 11:00-11:50 am

Panel description

Sustainable development of the hydrogen economy requires consideration of all environmental aspects, including water management. The process of hydrogen production using water electrolysis, although considered clean, involves significant water consumption, which can be a challenge in regions with limited water resources. As part of the panel “Hydrogen and Water Resources Management: Closing the Cycle” will discuss how hydrogen technologies can be integrated into effective water resources management, paying particular attention to the use of water in electrolysis, opportunities for water recycling, and the impact of hydrogen production on aquatic ecosystems. The goal is to find solutions to optimize water use and support the development of a sustainable hydrogen economy.

Purpose of the panel

The purpose of the panel is to develop solutions and recommendations for sustainable water management in the context of hydrogen production, especially in regions where water resources are limited. The discussion will focus on new technologies, regulations and opportunities for international cooperation in water management that support the development of the hydrogen economy in an environmentally friendly manner.

Key issues

1.Hydrogen and water consumption:

• Water consumption efficiency in electrolysis processes: What are the current standards for water consumption in electrolysis processes for hydrogen production? What technologies can reduce water consumption while maintaining hydrogen production efficiency?
• Technologies to reduce the water footprint of hydrogen production: What technological innovations can help reduce the water footprint of hydrogen production? Examples of new electrolytic processes that minimize water consumption and have less impact on local water resources.

2.Water recycling and reuse:

• Semi-closed water cycles in hydrogen production plants: What are the solutions for closing the water cycle in hydrogen production plants? What are the benefits of such technologies both in terms of water efficiency and reduced environmental impact?
• Possibilities for the use of saline and waste water: What are the possibilities for using saline or waste water in hydrogen production processes? What technologies make it possible to treat and reuse these waters, reducing pressure on drinking water resources?

3.Sustainability and hydrogen:

• Impact on local water resources in resource-limited regions: What are the challenges of hydrogen production in regions where access to potable water is limited? What measures should be taken to ensure that hydrogen production does not exacerbate water management problems in these regions
• Protection of aquatic ecosystems in the face of the development of the hydrogen economy: What mechanisms for protecting aquatic ecosystems can support the development of the hydrogen sector? What are the best practices for minimizing the impact of hydrogen production on aquatic ecosystems

4.Funding and regulation:

• EU support for innovation in water management: What EU programs and initiatives support innovation in water management in the context of hydrogen production? What funding mechanisms are available for projects linking water and hydrogen management?
• Funding mechanisms for hydrogen-linked water management projects: What financing models can support the development of technologies that will allow the sustainable use of water resources for hydrogen production? What forms of public-private cooperation can support the sector?