In the sun-scorched landscapes of the Arab world, a pressing dilemma is unfolding at the intersection of water and energy. As global ambitions for green hydrogen production surge, water-scarce regions are grappling with the stark reality of their finite resources. A recent study published in the journal *Energy Nexus* (translated from Arabic as “Energy Nexus”) sheds light on this critical issue, offering insights that could reshape the future of hydrogen production in arid regions.
Led by Aiman Albatayneh from the School of Natural Resources Engineering Management at the German Jordanian University (GJU) in Amman, the research delves into the challenges of meeting hydrogen production targets in countries where renewable freshwater resources are already under strain. The findings reveal a stark disparity among nations, with some facing immediate water challenges while others are on a trajectory towards unsustainable water use.
“In 2030, the percentage of renewable freshwater used for hydrogen production is minimal for Egypt and Morocco at less than 1%,” Albatayneh explains. “However, Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia face moderate usage at 1.58%, 1.79%, and 3.02%, respectively, with the UAE reaching 16.67%.” By 2050, these percentages are projected to escalate significantly, with the UAE’s usage surging to an unsustainable 350%, highlighting the growing water challenges over time.
The study underscores the intensifying competition for water resources, pitting hydrogen production against agriculture, domestic use, and other critical sectors. This raises ethical concerns about resource allocation and sustainable development. “The unsustainable reliance on freshwater in arid regions is a ticking time bomb,” Albatayneh warns. “It’s crucial to address these challenges now to avoid a crisis in the future.”
The research proposes several solutions to balance hydrogen ambitions with sustainable water management. These include using desalinated seawater, treated wastewater, brackish water, advanced electrolysis technologies, and water-efficient practices. Regional cooperation and policy innovations are also highlighted as key strategies to mitigate the water-energy nexus dilemma.
For the energy sector, the implications are profound. As the world pivots towards green hydrogen as a pivotal energy carrier, water-scarce regions must innovate to avoid exacerbating water scarcity. The study’s findings could influence policy decisions, investment strategies, and technological advancements in hydrogen production, ensuring a more sustainable and equitable future.
Albatayneh’s research serves as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for immediate action and long-term planning. “We must act now to ensure that our pursuit of clean energy does not come at the cost of our most precious resource—water,” Albatayneh states. The study, published in *Energy Nexus*, offers a roadmap for navigating the complex water-energy nexus, ensuring that the transition to green hydrogen is both sustainable and equitable.
As the energy sector grapples with these challenges, the insights from this research could shape future developments, driving innovation and collaboration to secure a sustainable energy future for all.