North Africa is poised to become a major supplier of green hydrogen to Europe, with countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt rapidly developing projects to capitalize on the growing demand for clean energy. The European Union aims to import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen every year by 2030. However, researchers warn that large-scale green hydrogen production in the region could have significant environmental costs, particularly in terms of water usage and potential pollution. The production of green hydrogen requires huge amounts of water, which could strain local supplies in regions that are already water-scarce.
A recent study examined the potential environmental impacts of large-scale green hydrogen production in dry regions of Australia, Chile, and North Africa. The researchers used a computer model to simulate the water needs of a 10-hectare, 1-gigawatt hydrogen plant operating in a hot, dry climate. The model calculated the plant's total water needs, including water used to produce hydrogen, treat supplies, and cool equipment. The study found that producing green hydrogen in desert areas requires far more water than the industry claims, with plants potentially drawing between 35 and 170 litres of water for every kilogram of hydrogen produced.
The study's findings have significant implications for North Africa, where regional groundwater is already severely depleted. Desalinating seawater will likely be necessary to provide the freshwater needed to produce green hydrogen, but this could cause severe secondary environmental damage. Desalination plants produce large amounts of very salty wastewater, known as brine, which is released back into the sea and can harm marine life. The brine also contains chemicals used to prevent mineral deposits from building up on equipment, remove impurities, and clean filters, which can further damage coastal ecosystems.
The researchers argue that the way "green" energy is measured by international certification bodies, governments, and carbon-accounting frameworks needs to change. Current policies focus almost entirely on cutting carbon emissions, but overlook the potential environmental impacts of green hydrogen production on local water supplies and ecosystems. The study recommends that international rules for certifying hydrogen as "green" require projects to measure their effects on local water supplies and ecosystems.
To mitigate the environmental risks associated with green hydrogen production, the researchers propose two measures: a Water Sustainability Index to assess whether water use is sustainable, and a score that assesses how salty wastewater could harm marine life. Projects should not qualify as "green" if they use more water than the local environment can safely spare. Additionally, future hydrogen plants should work with nearby cities to reuse treated sewage, purifying it further to make hydrogen, which would reduce competition with communities, farms, and ecosystems for freshwater.
Egypt has already signed US$40 billion worth of agreements with international developers to build green hydrogen and ammonia hubs in the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Morocco proposes to set aside one million hectares of land for developers of green hydrogen projects, while Algeria plans to pipe green hydrogen directly to Europe via the planned South4 Corridor. Dozens of mega-projects have signed memorandums of understanding to set up or are in early-stage development or pilot plant stage, with most large-scale commercial production and export infrastructure scheduled to come online between 2027 and 2035.
The study's authors argue that the move to green hydrogen must prioritize protecting ecosystems and ensuring fair access to water, not just focus on the benefits of cutting carbon emissions. The actual costs and impact of producing green energy in North Africa exceed what's been suggested, and it's essential to consider the potential environmental risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. By doing so, it's possible to promote sustainable green hydrogen production that balances the needs of both the environment and the economy.
Key points
- Green hydrogen production in North Africa for European export may require between 35 and 170 litres of water for every kilogram of hydrogen produced.
- Desalination plants used to provide freshwater for green hydrogen production can cause severe secondary environmental damage, including harm to marine life.
- International rules for certifying hydrogen as "green" should require projects to measure their effects on local water supplies and ecosystems.
