What does an ambitious expansion of hydrogen production mean for the regional water balance? The experts at Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST) addressed this question in a study for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Energy of the State of Brandenburg (MWAE). In collaboration with DHI WASY and Water Science Policy (now Onewater), the analyses were based on the technological principles of water demand and consumption for future H2 production, potential ramp-up scenarios for hydrogen and a data analysis of water availability and the regional water balance to estimate future water requirements for electrolysers in Brandenburg.

This study addresses the central question of the possible effects of future hydrogen production in Brandenburg on the regional water balance of the state and its districts and cities. It also aims to contribute to the existing “research and knowledge gap” on this topic by providing a well-founded assessment of H2 production using electrolysis and the associated water requirements. On the other hand, the study summarizes existing findings and data on the existing water balance in Brandenburg as well as on further developments (e.g. as a result of the lignite phase-out) and thus provides an important basis for future industrial policy.

This work can show that future hydrogen production in Brandenburg itself would only consume relatively small amounts of water – especially in comparison to existing water-intensive industries such as energy generation with the existing lignite-fired power plants, which have a high cooling water requirement (approx. 60 million m³ per year).

An extrapolation based on the theoretical hydrogen production potential in Brandenburg (approx. 20 TWh H2 per year), as assumed, for example, in the feasibility study for an H2 start-up network commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Energy of the State of Brandenburg (MWAE), results in a range of water requirements (in drinking water quality) of around 8 million m³ of water per year for optimized electrolysis plants (Concept A) to approx. 37 million m³ of water for plants with open cooling systems and evaporative cooling (Concept C).

As shown in the following figure, the estimated water requirement for electrolysis is therefore significantly lower than the current water extraction volumes of approx. 615 million m³ per year for Brandenburg and 1,021 million m³ per year for Brandenburg including Berlin. In relation to the federal state, hydrogen production would therefore only have a share of approx. 1 % to 6 % relative to water production in 2019. By comparison, the amount of water used (water use) in households and companies (including unused water discharged or released to third parties) was 577 million m3/a for Brandenburg and approx. 989 million m³/a for Brandenburg including Berlin.

The present study takes an initial approach to regionalizing the discussion by three generic case studies, which are intended to outline the issues surrounding different project configurations.

– Decentralized H2 generation: Figure 5 MWel electrolysis

– Urban H2 generation: Figure 100 MWel electrolysis

– Industrial H2 generation: Chart: 1,000 MWel electrolysis

Executive Summary:

– German: Link

– English: Link

Further information on the study:

– Project website: Link

– Press release of the MWAE from 13.05.2024: Link