JRC: expansion of hydrogen production in the EU is unlikely to strain most freshwater resources — electrolysis uses 18–22 litres of water per kilogram of hydrogen, and under pessimistic climate scenarios only one in ten plants could face noticeable competition for water
On 8 October 2026 the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) presented a report on how the expansion of hydrogen production could increase the pressure on freshwater resources in Europe, especially in water-stressed regions such as the Iberian Peninsula. Water demand for fossil-based and electrolytic hydrogen production was modelled up to 2030 and 2050, assuming that the whole demand is met with freshwater.
- Report findings: most plants will operate in basins with low to moderate water stress; under pessimistic climate scenarios only one in ten plants could face noticeable competition for freshwater with agricultural, municipal or industrial users. Southern Europe — Spain, Italy and Portugal — faces the highest risk. The JRC sees a cautiously optimistic outlook but recommends that careful water management be put in place in advance in water-scarce regions.
- According to the report summary, reaching the 2030 goal would require about 0.24% of the freshwater consumed in Europe in 2017, and up to 1.65% by 2050. Electrolysis (splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen with electricity) uses about 18–22 litres of water per kilogram of hydrogen; for comparison, the JRC cites about 1,000 litres per kilogram of almonds. The demand becomes significant when it is concentrated in industrial hubs with hydrogen production plants.
- JRC recommendations: use alternative water sources where possible, particularly desalinated seawater in coastal regions, and develop the use of wastewater and brackish water; integrate the new EU target of improving water-use efficiency by 10% by 2030 into hydrogen project planning; assess the siting of hubs against water availability at basin level to avoid water conflicts in advance.
- Next steps identified by the JRC: consistent data across hydrogen production pathways based on real running times and capacity, water abstraction and cooling processes; investment in water reuse infrastructure in industrial clusters; monitoring of seasonal water stress to adjust production; assessment of the environmental impact of desalination and direct seawater electrolysis. The JRC notes that further research is needed; an update of the EU Hydrogen Strategy is being prepared.
Source: Joint Research Centre — EU hydrogen expansion unlikely to strain most water supplies (8.10.2026)