The green hydrogen-water nexus and its social implications

The global energy transition is a key factor in achieving decarbonisation and tackling climate change. Green hydrogen, produced by electrolysis using renewable energy, offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels with the potential to reduce carbon emissions in industries such as transport, energy storage and heavy industry. This transition is particularly important for countries looking to diversify their fossil fuel dependent economies. However, green hydrogen production is water-intensive and poses significant challenges in water-scarce regions. Widespread use of water-intensive hydrogen production could raise important concerns about balancing the country's water needs across sectors, including agriculture, industry and municipal supply. In this context, it is therefore important to identify and analyse the social implications that could arise and cause conflict and injustice. This subject has triggered a broad debate involving various actors - policy-makers, academics, entrepreneurs, representatives of non-governmental organisations - in which attention is focused on the possible negative social, economic and geopolitical consequences. In this paper we will present the arguments, positions and opinions that have emerged and are contained in the documents of international bodies, scientific articles and national strategies, comparing the main issues, visions and possible solutions.