The recent commitment by the Labour Government to invest £2 billion in ‘green’ hydrogen production marks a significant step in the UK’s industrial strategy. With a target of 10GW of production by 2030, this initiative is being heralded as a game-changer for businesses, the economy, and the environment. However, as the excitement builds around this new frontier of energy, communities on the frontlines are raising critical concerns about the implications of this shift.
The Promise of Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced through a process called electrolysis, where electricity—ideally sourced from renewable energy—splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method is touted as a clean alternative to the current hydrogen production methods, which rely heavily on fossil fuels, accounting for 99% of global hydrogen production. The UK’s commitment to green hydrogen aligns with global efforts to decarbonize energy systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
At COP 29 in Baku, Labour leader Keir Starmer emphasized the benefits of green hydrogen, stating it is “good for our businesses… good for our country [and] good for the planet.” This optimistic outlook, however, glosses over the complexities and challenges associated with scaling up green hydrogen production.
The Concerns of Frontline Communities
While government officials and industry leaders champion the potential of green hydrogen, communities directly affected by its production are expressing skepticism. Many view the push for green hydrogen as a continuation of colonial exploitation, where local resources are diverted for export-oriented production, leaving communities dispossessed and vulnerable.
The production of green hydrogen requires substantial amounts of water and energy, raising questions about sustainability and equity. For instance, a report by Friends of the Earth Scotland highlighted that meeting Scotland’s heating demands with green hydrogen would necessitate 180% more renewable energy than the country currently produces. This raises alarms about the potential diversion of renewable energy from local needs to meet the demands of hydrogen production.
In South Africa, where much of the world’s platinum—an essential component for electrolysers—is mined, the situation is equally concerning. Plans for green hydrogen production are primarily aimed at exporting to Europe, which could require around 13,680 Olympic swimming pools of water annually. This demand threatens to exacerbate existing water scarcity issues, diverting clean drinking water away from communities already struggling with access to this vital resource.
The Platinum Paradox
The UK’s dependence on South Africa for platinum is a critical aspect of the green hydrogen narrative. With 72% of the world’s platinum mined in South Africa, British companies like Anglo American have significant stakes in these resources. Anglo American, a product of British colonialism, controls a substantial portion of the world’s platinum group metals, raising ethical questions about the sustainability of this supply chain.
The Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre (CMIC) has warned that the anticipated growth of the UK hydrogen economy will lead to an unsustainable increase in demand for platinum. This reliance on a geographically concentrated resource poses risks not only to the environment but also to the communities living in mining regions.
The Greenwashing Debate
As governments and industries push for green hydrogen, skepticism is growing regarding the feasibility of delivering on such ambitious targets. Critics argue that the hype surrounding green hydrogen may serve as a cover for maintaining and expanding fossil fuel infrastructure. In the UK, 84% of government-supported low-carbon hydrogen projects are focused on ‘blue’ hydrogen, which is produced from fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage—a process that still relies on fossil fuel extraction.
The narrative of green hydrogen risks overshadowing the voices of those most affected by its production. Reports from organizations like Corporate Europe Observatory and Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA) highlight the dangers of a European ‘green’ hydrogen scramble that neglects the rights and needs of local communities.
Conclusion: A Call for Inclusive Dialogue
The transition to a green hydrogen economy presents both opportunities and challenges. While the potential for decarbonization and economic growth is significant, it is crucial to address the concerns of frontline communities. The voices of those impacted by mining and hydrogen production must be included in the conversation to ensure that the transition is just and equitable.
As the UK and other nations forge ahead with their green hydrogen strategies, a balanced approach that prioritizes community rights, environmental sustainability, and ethical resource management is essential. Only then can we truly claim that green hydrogen is not just good for business and the planet, but also for the communities that bear the brunt of its production.
Further Reading
In navigating the complexities of the green hydrogen economy, we must remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that the transition is not only green but also just.
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