There are two main hydrogen categories based on the production method: blue and green. Blue hydrogen production involves coupling conventional hydrogen production with carbon capture and storage. Natural gas is transformed with steam or/and oxygen (i.e., steam methane or auto thermal reforming). Green hydrogen involves coupling the electrolysis of water with renewable energy, making it a carbon-neutral process. Both processes require large amounts of water. This water must be treated prior to chemical or electrochemical processing. The wastewater generated by the processes also needs to be treated prior to discharge.
Effective water treatment for hydrogen production is essential because, on the front end, it must be the right quality and quantity otherwise the process will not be successful. Wastewater must meet effluent guidelines and requirements. To be truly successful the water treatment process must be completed in such a sustainable way that it reduces the demand for initial source water.