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ASSESSMENT OF GREEN HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AND POTENTIAL UTILIZATION IN THE HYDRODYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE DANUBE
Abstract
Global climate change and the need to transition to clean energy sources have brought green hydrogen to the forefront of regional and international energy strategies. Green hydrogen offers a low-carbon solution that can support decarbonization in the heavy industries, transportation, and industry sectors, and renewable energy sources can be integrated into its production. The Danube River is one of the primary hydrological axes in Central and Southeastern Europe, playing a strategic role in the region's energy and transportation infrastructure. In this context, the river hydrodynamic environment presents specific opportunities and challenges for the production and use of green hydrogen. This study aims to assess the available infrastructure, renewable energy resources, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the Danube, and the potential local and regional applications of green hydrogen, as well as the economic, technical, and environmental challenges that need to be overcome. The use of green hydrogen can be diversified according to local characteristics, existing infrastructure, and demand for different areas, such as river transportation, local industry, as well as exports to other regions. In the Danube region, green hydrogen production has significant potential to contribute to the energy transition, decarbonization, sustainable regional development, and the creation of new green industries and infrastructure. The river's hydrodynamic environment, together with the associated renewable resources, offers significant opportunities, but achieving its potential depends essentially on ensuring the proper technical, economic, legislative, and environmental conditions. A coordinated strategy and smart investments can transform the Danube not just into a transportation corridor, but into a vector of green energy and regional sustainability.
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