As the world grapples with the imperative to course correct the 1.5°C Pathway, the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) World Energy Transitions Outlook 2023 emphasizes a pragmatic approach: tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency by 2030.
A linchpin in achieving this ambitious target is green hydrogen, hailed as the clean, storable, and portable energy source of the future.
Green hydrogen, with its high energy density, emerges as an ideal solution for powering energy-intensive industrial processes that are challenging to electrify, particularly in sectors like aviation and shipping. Its significance in the energy transition narrative is underscored by the pressing need to translate commitments into concrete projects and foster international cooperation to establish global targets for demand creation.
At cop28, it has been emphasized the necessity for innovative solutions to de-risk investments, envisioning a global push for green hydrogen as a catalyst for reaching net-zero goals and socio-economic benefits of green hydrogen, particularly in job creation within the developing world.
The spotlight shifts to Global South countries, holding the keys to sustainable green hydrogen production due to their high potential for its generation.
By prioritizing domestic use over export and aligning production with Sustainable Development Goals, these nations can unlock opportunities, accelerating the energy transition.
However, the journey toward scaling up green hydrogen production is not without challenges. Increased production equates to heightened water withdrawal and consumption. IRENA’s Water for Hydrogen Production report, developed with Bluerisk and launched at COP28, provides tailored recommendations for policymakers and industries to adopt water-efficient practices. The report advocates for thorough water risk assessments, stringent water use regulations, and the implementation of water-efficient cooling technologies to ensure sustainable growth in the hydrogen industry while preserving shared water resources.
As Ute Collier aptly stated during the report’s launch, hydrogen is poised to play a pivotal role in the energy transition, contributing to achieving the 1.5°C climate target.
The report sets the stage for a meaningful conversation among policymakers, industry leaders, and communities, guiding us toward a more informed and sustainable production and use of hydrogen. Bluerisk Director Tianyi Luo concludes by emphasizing the importance of considering water withdrawal and consumption as performance indicators for green hydrogen, recommending regulations and financial incentives that prioritize the efficiency and sustainability of water and energy.