Tunisia, a dry country in Africa that has recently experienced a three-year drought, is being seen by the EU as a crucial player in the production of “green hydrogen” for export to Europe. However, there is a major challenge: the production of green hydrogen requires freshwater, which is scarce in Tunisia. To obtain the raw materials for green hydrogen, Tunisia would need to desalinate Mediterranean water, a process that is energy-intensive, water-guzzling, and environmentally damaging.
Many sun-drenched countries, particularly in the Maghreb region, have been promised a future as export hubs for green hydrogen. This is because hydrogen, which contains three times as much energy as petrol, is being hailed as the fuel of the future. Europe’s green deal, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by the end of the decade, relies on green hydrogen production in North Africa and Ukraine.
While it is possible to produce green hydrogen in Europe, it is costlier compared to fossil fuels. Even wind-based generation requires substantial subsidies. Without significant government support, it is uncertain whether European consumers would be willing to bear the steep price increases necessary to transition to green energy.
Last year, the EU proposed doubling green hydrogen imports by 2030. Industries in Europe, such as steel and petrochemical manufacturing, require fuels for high-intensity heat that cannot be replaced solely by electricity. To reduce carbon intensity, Brussels is encouraging these industries to adopt green hydrogen.
However, the potential benefits of this strategy should not come at the expense of environmental destruction abroad. Experts have warned that the toxic sludge from desalination plants would irreversibly harm marine ecosystems. It is important to consider the consequences of green hydrogen production, not just for Europe, but also for the countries supplying the necessary resources.
Green hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources has various applications, including the production of ammonia for fertilizers, shipping fuel, power generation, and steelmaking. However, there are significant energy losses in the production process, and additional energy is required for hydrogen transportation. From the perspective of African nations, this energy could be better utilized locally to address immediate needs instead of being directed solely for European hydrogen production.
Currently, less than 0.04% of hydrogen production is considered “green.” However, governments worldwide anticipate that this percentage will increase as they seek to reduce carbon emissions in industries like cement manufacturing. With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere already surpassing 422 parts per million (ppm), far above the generally considered safe level of 350 ppm, there is no room for worsening the problem. A global transition to net zero emissions should not come at the expense of poorer nations.
Overall, the production and use of green hydrogen pose both opportunities and challenges. While it holds promise as a cleaner energy source, careful consideration must be given to the environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and equitable distribution of resources to ensure a sustainable and just energy transition.
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