project

Water for Hydrogen Production (W4H2)

The Water for Hydrogen Production (W4H2) project focuses on the decisions required for the water supplies needed for green hydrogen, now and in the future. This research is being conducted against a backdrop of increasing water shortages and pressure on freshwater supplies for the drinking water sector. To prevent this scarcity hindering the development of the hydrogen sector, we are investigating which water sources are suitable as feedwater and/or cooling water for the production of green hydrogen using electrolysis, and subject to which conditions.

The W4H2 research project, which is part of the WiCE programme, is being conducted on the basis of an integrated approach in which we collect knowledge, build up practical experience and bring parties together:

  • a survey of existing knowledge and developments;
  • the elaboration of case studies;
  • the drafting of an assessment framework; and
  • the encouragement and facilitation of a knowledge network.

Significance and objective

On behalf of the Dutch drinking water sector, Vewin has adopted the position that drinking water should not be used for hydrogen production (Sources & Quality Steering Group, Sept. 2024). This position derives from the urgent need for every drinking water utility to safeguard supplies of drinking water for consumers and other customers, both now and in the future. The ‘supply obligation’ in the Netherlands is enshrined in the Drinking Water Act. In concrete terms, it means that the relevant business parties must identify a suitable source using local tailored solutions for the production of green hydrogen (and for other emerging industries). In this light, it is desirable for the drinking water sector to establish a clearer understanding of the developments and possibilities regarding water supplies for the energy sector, and to provide guidance in this respect so that the interests of the drinking water sector are adequately safeguarded in this search for alternative water sources.

Deliverables

The first phase of the WiCE project will produce three deliverables:

  • a survey of existing knowledge and developments;
  • an analysis of possibilities and boundary conditions;
  • a knowledge and matchmaking event.

Specifically for this first phase, we are working with TKI Water Technology. The results of the survey and analysis will be set out in a public report from TKI Water Technology and KWR destined for all shareholders. The knowledge and matchmaking event will bring together a wide range of stakeholders from the water sector, the energy sector, industry, research organisations, technology suppliers and government authorities. The intended outcome is the exchange of knowledge and the establishment of new alliances.

The WiCE project will then continue, delivering the following results:

  • case studies;
  • a practical assessment framework for water supplies for local hydrogen production;
  • knowledge exchange in project meetings and existing knowledge networks.

The case studies will supply knowledge and experience that we will draw on for the development of a practical assessment framework. The assessment framework and the underlying ideas will be described in a public report. In consultation with the project group and the sounding board, we will decide how best to shape the practical application of the assessment framework. This could include, for example, an infographic, selection sheets, or the development of interactive decision-support tools.

Best source for the water supplies required

The results of the WiCE W4H2 project will allow initiators of projects for the production of green hydrogen to select the best source of water faster and on a more informed basis. Drinking water utilities can provide guidance for those initiators in order to help them understand the alternatives to using drinking water or high-quality freshwater sources. By sharing knowledge, we will ensure that the knowledge acquired with the project will be widely available.