U.S. Green Hydrogen Push Faces Water Scarcity Challenge in 20% of Projects

The Australian mining company Fortescue has broken ground on a new green hydrogen plant in Buckeye, Arizona. Utilizing solar and wind power, this facility aims to generate green hydrogen, a zero-emission fuel. However, the project has sparked concerns due to its significant water usage in an area already grappling with water scarcity.

Fortescue’s plant is expected to produce about 11,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually, demanding between 32 to 45 million gallons of water, essential for purification and cooling processes. Including additional water for wind and solar power operations, the consumption could escalate to 319 million gallons. This is a considerable concern given that the local aquifer has been depleting at a rate of three feet per year, primarily due to agricultural irrigation.

Experts like Sarah Porter from Arizona State University’s Kyl Center for Water Policy have expressed the need for state policies to ensure the sustainable use of water resources. Fortescue has responded by stating their commitment to reduce water consumption and explore alternative sources such as wastewater.

This controversy comes at a time when the green hydrogen sector is gaining momentum, bolstered by tax incentives and funding from the U.S. government’s Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Out of 18 approved hydrogen production projects, four are in areas with high water stress, including this new plant outside of Phoenix.

The increasing demand for green hydrogen, clashing with the natural water limitations, poses a significant challenge. Estimates indicate that by 2040, nearly 39% of global hydrogen production will occur in high water stress regions, complicating sustainability efforts.

Hydrogen fuel emits only water vapor when used in fuel cells and could play a critical role in decarbonizing industries that cannot rely on electric power alone. However, water consumption remains a contentious issue, particularly in arid regions. Efforts to mitigate this include using treated wastewater and developing technologies for desalinating seawater, though these solutions are not without their own environmental and energy challenges.

Fortescue, along with other companies, remains at the forefront of balancing the benefits of hydrogen energy with its environmental impact. The ongoing debate underscores the necessity of integrated policies and innovative technologies to support sustainable growth in the hydrogen sector.

This is an ongoing story that highlights the complex intersection of renewable energy and environmental conservation, urging stakeholders to find a harmonious path forward.