Spain’s ambitious hydrogen plans are being called into question as the country grapples with high temperatures and water scarcity. The viability of producing enough water for hydrogen production is now under scrutiny, posing potential hurdles for the government’s “Hydrogen Roadmap” set in motion in October 2020.
On the island of Mallorca, green hydrogen-powered buses have been introduced, drawing praise for their emission-free operation. However, the buses currently rely on significant subsidies, and the high cost of hydrogen compared to diesel raises concerns about long-term sustainability.
While the transport sector shows promise, efforts are also underway in other industries. Álvaro Sánchez López, responsible for climate protection at the Iberostar Group, plans to utilize green hydrogen for heating and electricity in a beach hotel. Although the economics are currently unfavorable, López views it as a strategic investment in a sustainable future.
Creating demand for hydrogen remains a significant challenge. The Mallorcan hydrogen plant currently operates at only 25% capacity due to limited buyers. This chicken-and-egg dilemma is not unique to Mallorca but reflects a global issue hindering the broader adoption of hydrogen.
Spain, supported by funding programs, aspires to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen. Abundant sun and wind resources provide favorable conditions for hydrogen production. However, concerns have arisen regarding water availability. Margalida Ramis from the environmental protection group GOB highlights the water restrictions imposed during droughts, questioning the wisdom of introducing a water-intensive industry in such circumstances.
While coastal regions can rely on seawater and desalination plants, the challenge lies in inland areas, where renewable energy is abundant but access to water is limited. This presents a potential conflict with agriculture, which already consumes a significant amount of water.
José Maria Olavarrieta, the head of Spain’s national hydrogen center, believes that water availability is not the main issue. Instead, he emphasizes the need for substantial financial investment, manpower, and geopolitical stability for international collaborative hydrogen projects, which are currently lacking.
The case of Mallorca exemplifies the difficulties of launching hydrogen initiatives on a local scale. The water used for hydrogen production contains minerals, necessitating complex purification processes. Long-term plans include the construction of reservoirs for the remaining byproducts.
As Spain strives to become a “green giant” in hydrogen production, the challenge lies in balancing the water requirements of this emerging industry with the existing demands of agriculture and mitigating the potential environmental impact. Water scarcity and the need for stability in international cooperation pose significant challenges to the realization of Spain’s hydrogen ambitions.
