How can green hydrogen be produced without placing additional strain on water resources? The reSYNERGY research project is investigating this question. Electrolyzers requirehigh-purity water for hydrogen production. Droughts and competing uses place a strain on available water resources. That is why ISOE is investigating how treated municipal wastewater can serve as an alternative water resource for hydrogen production. The project aims to more closely integrate existing water and energy infrastructures, thereby increasing supply security by 2035.
The project partners have developed a demonstration plant that treats municipal wastewater to produce ultrapure water. The ultrapure water is then used as a feedstock for hydrogen production. The project is investigating the technical feasibility, economic viability, and operational safety of the process. Simulations are also being used to analyze the resilience of large-scale infrastructure to extreme weather events and system disruptions.
Models for Cross-Sector Collaboration
In this project, the researchers are examining not only technical issues but also institutional and societal frameworks. They also aim to develop governance models for collaboration between the water sector, the energy sector, industry, and local governments. Participatory processes involve relevant stakeholders and are intended to ensure acceptance, feasibility, and long-term prospects for transformation.
The ISOE coordinates the research consortium. The institute contributes its expertise in socio-ecological water research and the analysis of interconnected infrastructures. Together with the project partners, it develops future scenarios for the water and hydrogen sectors. Based on these scenarios, the institute derives recommendations for policy and planning actions.
The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) is funding the project as part of the “Research for Civil Security” funding initiative. The full project title is “Cross-Sectoral Use of Municipal Wastewater for the Production of Green Hydrogen to Strengthen Security of Supply by 2035 (reSYNERGY).”
