Environmental impact of hydrogen production combined with desalination in 2045

Hydrogen has a major role to play in the energy transition. Hydrogen production via water electrolysis requires significant electricity and ultrapure water. In water-scarce coastal regions, seawater desalination may meet this demand. This study uses prospective Life Cycle Assessment (pLCA) to evaluate environmental impacts of hydrogen production via reverse osmosis (RO) and Membrane distillation (MD) desalination technologies combined with electrolysis by 2045. Preliminary findings indicate significant reductions in both global warming potential and marine ecotoxicity for hydrogen production pathways that combine desalination with electrolysis. Among the evaluated options, membrane distillation coupled with electrolysis demonstrates superior environmental performance relative to the reverse osmosis-based pathway. A comprehensive sustainability assessment that incorporates brine discharge, variations in electricity supply, and a broader range of environmental impact categories is still necessary to provide well-founded recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders.