Sustainable paths for the use and management of water in the hydrogen value chain

Certain studies on the impact of global warming show that, unless further actions are put in place, several areas of southern Europe could become critically affected by water draught and scarcity starting from 2036. However, the decarbonisation of the energy industry, and the power system in particular, could have a very positive impact on freshwater resources across the EU and the UK, reducing water withdrawal and water consumption in 2050. Renewable hydrogen production is set to increase in Europe over the next decade and over the next 20 years, as consequence of the policies adopted recently, and it can contribute to the reduction of freshwater withdrawals in the years to come. It is under these circumstances, that the need of this study emerges, with the objectives and tasks described in the call for tender documents.