A green hydrogen project requires the water necessary for the electrolysis process to be carefully chosen. The quality and origin of the water not only influence the efficiency of hydrogen production but also have a significant impact on environmental sustainability. Therefore, it is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of various water sources to ensure that natural resources are optimized and the water footprint is minimized.
Sustainable Water for Green Hydrogen
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Below, we detail the various water sources we consider for our projects:
• Irrigation Channels: We obtain specific permits for the industrial use of irrigation channels, leveraging this existing infrastructure for water supply.
• Industrial Supply: We collaborate with industrial water suppliers who ensure a constant and quality supply, tailored to the needs of our projects.
• Rainwater Harvesting: At the associated photovoltaic plants, we collect rainwater that is stored and treated for use in the electrolysis process. This not only optimizes the use of natural resources but also reduces our water footprint.
• Surface Water: We draw water from rivers, reservoirs, and other surface water bodies. This resource requires thorough treatment due to the presence of sediments and potential contaminants.
• Groundwater: By drilling wells, we extract water from underground aquifers. This source is especially valuable in rural areas and needs appropriate treatment to remove minerals and other contaminants.
- Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs): we make additional use of reclaimed water from industrial sites to produce hydrogen from the treated water in the WWTPs before it is discharged back into the river.
Quantity of Water Needed
The amount of water required for hydrogen production is an important factor to consider. According to calculations by the International Energy Agency (IEA), renewable hydrogen consumes the least water in the production process: 9 litres/kg, almost half that of gas (13-18 litres/kg) and seven times less than coal (40-85 litres/kg). To put this in perspective, a hydrogen plant producing 1 ton of hydrogen per day would require approximately 9,000 liters of water daily. This volume is equivalent to the amount of water used to fill an Olympic swimming pool every three weeks.
This amount includes the water necessary for the chemical reaction and a small additional amount to compensate for losses and ensure the proper functioning of the system. Additionally, this estimate allows for efficient planning and management of water sources, ensuring that production requirements are met without compromising local water resources.
What Water Quality is Sufficient?
Contrary to what might be expected, the water used in the electrolysis process must be of high purity, not rich in salts and minerals. Water rich in salts and minerals may be more conductive but can also cause problems such as electrode corrosion and the formation of undesirable by-products. Therefore, it is crucial to use deionized or highly purified water in electrolysis to ensure system efficiency and longevity.
At Green Solar International, together with our colleagues at Samas, we are dedicated to selecting and managing our water sources with the utmost responsibility, thus supporting the sustainable production of green hydrogen and contributing to a cleaner and more efficient future.
Are you interested in being part of any of these projects? Write to us at info@greensolarinternational.com and find out how we can collaborate together in this energy revolution.