As the global community accelerates toward a decarbonized future, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising pillar in the ambitious energy transition. Particularly vital for heavy transport and industrial sectors, hydrogen fuel offers a pathway to drastically reduce carbon emissions when produced sustainably. However, a groundbreaking study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden highlights an often-overlooked challenge: the large-scale production of green hydrogen demands careful management of water resources to prevent exacerbating regional water shortages and overlapping conflicts with agriculture.
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, a sophisticated process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen powered exclusively by renewable electricity such as solar, wind, or hydropower. This characteristic ensures that hydrogen production remains climate-friendly, distinguishing green hydrogen from other hydrogen types derived from fossil fuels. Despite its environmental benefits, the volume of water required for electrolysis, particularly at industrial scales, raises questions about the sustainability of relying on local water supplies in regions already facing water stress.
The researchers at Chalmers have deployed advanced computational simulations to explore multiple scenarios assessing the impact of hydrogen production on local water basins across Europe for the year 2050. The study incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, integrating water resource availability, electricity price dynamics, and land use considerations. Their findings vividly illustrate that while the total water consumption for hydrogen production may be modest when compared to agricultural needs, its localized impacts are profound and geographically uneven.
A critical insight from the study is the necessity to strategically plan hydrogen manufacturing sites. Electrolyzers require proximity not only to hydrogen demand centers—such as industrial clusters—but also to sources of renewable electricity. Paradoxically, these regions frequently coincide with areas where water resources are already overstretched. This spatial coincidence amplifies the risk of intensifying water scarcity locally, underscoring the urgent need for multifaceted planning that transcends national and regional jurisdictions and involves collaboration among governments, industries, and local communities.
In Sweden, the study spotlights Sörmland and Roslagen as highly vulnerable to these challenges. Sörmland, already home to heavy industries such as steel mills and refineries, faces the possibility that expanding hydrogen utilization may strain local water supplies beyond sustainable limits. Similarly, Roslagen, northeast of Stockholm, and parts of Bohuslän along with some northern Norrland areas, show simulated water withdrawals increasing by over 50 percent due to hydrogen production, a signal of potential ecological imbalance and resource competition in the near future.
Extending beyond Sweden’s borders, the research encompasses over 700 sub-basins within Europe, revealing analogous vulnerabilities. Southern and central regions with abundant solar and wind potential—prime candidates for green hydrogen economies—often suffer chronic water limitations. Countries such as Spain, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, hosting prominent industry clusters, could face stark dilemmas balancing agricultural irrigation needs with escalating water withdrawals for hydrogen manufacturing, heightening the risk of inter-sectoral conflicts.
Intriguingly, the study identifies several opportunities to mitigate water stress through technological innovation and resource integration. Seawater desalination emerges as a viable alternative water source, albeit with higher energy and infrastructure costs. Moreover, recycling water from wastewater treatment plants offers a sustainable loop that aligns well with circular economy principles. The research also suggests a beneficial synergy: the oxygen byproduct generated during electrolysis may bolster wastewater treatment processes, fostering overall system efficiencies and reducing environmental footprints.
Electrification remains central to this transition, and the study probes the implications of expanded electricity demand on European power grids and market prices. The researchers utilized Chalmers’ sophisticated Multinode model to project cost optimizations across different regional energy supply mixes. Despite the substantial electricity needed for electrolysis—effectively replacing fossil fuel energy stocks—the impact on average electricity prices is surprisingly modest. Regions richer in renewable resources, particularly Northern Europe, show minimal price increases, whereas Southern Europe, more reliant on gas and nuclear generation, experiences relatively higher cost adjustments.
This nuanced understanding challenges fears that hydrogen production would invariably inflate electricity costs drastically for consumers. Instead, the findings advocate for robust investment in green electricity infrastructure, underscoring the necessity of diversifying renewable generation to accommodate rising demands without compromising affordability. As countries confront the urgency of climate goals, these insights embolden policymakers to support integrated energy strategies without hesitating over potential market impacts.
On the land use front, the research probes the spatial footprint of renewable energy installations requisite for large-scale hydrogen production. Encouragingly, the expansion in solar and wind farms necessary to support the hydrogen economy would occupy only a minor fraction—mere percentage points—of current agricultural land in Europe. This spatial efficiency contrasts sharply with alternatives like biofuels, which demand significantly larger tracts of arable land, intensifying the competition between energy production and food security.
The overarching narrative emerging from this research advocates a holistic and layered perspective encompassing both systemic and local dimensions. Past studies often isolated concerns to either macro-scale energy system impacts or micro-level environmental consequences, but this integrative approach uncovers the intricate interplay of factors shaping Europe’s hydrogen transition. By simultaneously accounting for resource constraints, economic viability, ecosystem integrity, and social ramifications, the study equips decision-makers with the nuanced knowledge necessary to navigate this complex energy landscape responsibly.
Joel Löfving, the doctoral student spearheading this work, emphasizes the critical importance of comprehending these multidimensional risks and awareness of their geographical distribution. This knowledge is not aimed to dissuade hydrogen deployment but rather to catalyze cooperative planning and innovative solutions at intersections of governance, industry, and community. Through fostering shared responsibility and strategic foresight, the hydrogen economy’s promises can be realized without compromising vital water ecosystems and agricultural livelihoods.
Looking ahead, the study calls for continued research into emerging technologies and policies that can harmonize green hydrogen production with sustainable water management. Cross-sectoral collaborations to pilot integrated water-electrolysis systems, optimization of renewable energy siting, and adaptive frameworks for resource allocation will be essential. As Europe strives for carbon neutrality by mid-century, pioneering such approaches will be crucial to avoiding unintended environmental trade-offs while capturing hydrogen’s transformative potential.
In sum, this comprehensive investigation from Chalmers University provides a critical roadmap for navigating the intricacies of Europe’s energy transition. It spotlights the delicate balance of advancing green hydrogen as a cornerstone for decarbonization while safeguarding freshwater reserves that underpin ecosystems and human well-being. Through technological ingenuity, systemic modeling, and collaborative governance, a sustainable hydrogen future is within reach—heralding a cleaner, more resilient, and equitable energy paradigm.
Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Resource requirements and consequences of large-scale hydrogen use in Europe
News Publication Date: 12-Feb-2026
Web References: 10.1038/s41893-026-01771-5
References: Löfving, J., Brynolf, S., Grahn, M., Öberg, S., & Taljegard, M. (2026). Resource requirements and consequences of large-scale hydrogen use in Europe. Nature Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-026-01771-5
Image Credits: Joel Löfving, Chalmers University of Technology
Keywords: Hydrogen production, Hydrogen economy, Water supply, Hydrogen energy
