Resource requirements and consequences of large-scale hydrogen use in Europe

Abstract As European countries transition to fuels with lower climate change impact, distinct challenges may arise. Electrolytic hydrogen is central to planned developments in transportation and industry, but large-scale hydrogen production could have energy and environmental consequences. Here we simulate site-specific hydrogen demand distribution for Europe in 2050, to assess possible effects on local water use risks, regional electricity generation composition and cost, and total land use. Results show that around 20% of annual water use for hydrogen production is simulated to happen in areas with ‘extremely high’ projected risk of water stress, and local water stress caused by hydrogen production could become severe. Widespread electrolytic hydrogen use requires large investments in electricity generation, but the impacts on the marginal electricity cost to consumers could be small. The electricity generation system required for producing hydrogen or e-fuels would require less land than cultivating biomass for biofuels. The findings highlight the need for coordinated policy action to ensure that hydrogen deployment aligns with local water availability, regional electricity system development, land constraints and broader sustainability goals.