At the Foresight Hydrogen Conference 2025, Colin Robinson, Business Development Manager at Evides, delivered a compelling presentation on the critical role of water in hydrogen production and how sustainable water management is key to scaling the hydrogen economy.
Water: The Foundation of Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen production, particularly green hydrogen via electrolysis, depends on a secure supply of high-purity water. A 100MW electrolyser requires approximately 18 tons of purified water per hour to produce 2 tons of hydrogen, emphasising the importance of efficient resource planning.
Colin Robinson highlighted Evides' expertise in water treatment solutions, ensuring that industrial hydrogen production does not compete with essential water needs in high-demand regions. The company is pioneering innovative water supply strategies, including wastewater reuse and desalination, to secure water availability for hydrogen projects while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Overcoming Water Challenges in Hydrogen Expansion
As hydrogen production scales up, water availability has become a growing concern. Colin Robinson stressed that water supply must be considered at the early planning stages of hydrogen projects to prevent resource conflicts and unexpected operational risks. He outlined three key solutions:
Advanced Water Treatment Technologies – Implementing membrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and deionisation to ensure water purity for electrolysers.
Industrial Wastewater Recycling – Repurposing treated industrial water for hydrogen production to reduce reliance on freshwater sources.
Regional Water Supply Integration – Developing long-term partnerships with local utilities to optimize water distribution and minimise environmental impact.
A Call for Proactive Water Planning
Evides urged hydrogen developers, policymakers, and investors to integrate water security into hydrogen project roadmaps from the outset. Robinson emphasised that delays in water infrastructure planning could slow down hydrogen adoption, making early engagement with water providers essential.
“Hydrogen is key to decarbonisation, but its success depends on sustainable water use,” said Colin Robinson. “By working together, we can ensure hydrogen growth aligns with responsible water management.”
About Evides
Evides is a leading European water utility specialising in industrial water treatment, desalination, and circular water solutions. With a strong focus on sustainability, Evides supports hydrogen developers in securing reliable, high-quality water supplies for large-scale production.
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